Eating Disorders

 
Facts About Eating Disorders

In their lifetime, an estimated 0.5 percent to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia and an estimated 1.1 percent to 4.2 percent suffer from bulimia.

Between 3 and 5 percent of all adolescent females have a diagnosable eating disorder.

Anorexia is much more common among females, however, males are less likely to seek treatment which complicates the disorder.

Among adolescents with eating disorders, many also have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Eating Disorders

The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems and can be life threatening.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are common eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. Obesity may also be included as an eating disorder and can affect individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults.

There are several types of eating disorders that require the clinical care of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Anorexia Nervosa

Latest Mental Health News
Anxiety therapy doesn't work as well in elderly

February 3, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A form of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy appears to help older adults battle anxiety disorders slightly better than other approaches, but not as well as in younger adults, according to a new study.

Green tea drinkers show less disability with age

February 3, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Elderly adults who regularly drink green tea may stay more agile and independent than their peers over time, a large study of Japanese adults suggests.

Older parents more likely to have an autistic child

February 2, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Children born to a parent over age 35 are at greater risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder -- but the risk is the same whether just one or both parents are older, according to a new study of Danish families.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health