Eating disorders
Based on the definition given in the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) identifies as Eating Disorders are marked by severe disturbance in eating behaviour with two main categories of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
Anorexia nervosa
There are two types of Anorexia Nervosa as classified by DSM. The restrictive type which does not involve any binge eating or purging. Binging and or purging or misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas marks the Binge-Eating/Purging type. The main characteristics of Anorexia as identified by (DSM) are:
- Refusal to gain and/or maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight
- Significant weight loss leading to less than 85% of that expected
- Failing to meet expected weight gain during growth resulting in less than 85% of that expected
- Extreme fear of gaining weight or becoming fat despite being underweight
- Misperception of one’s body or shape
- Over-emphasis of body weight and shape on self-evaluation
- Often in denial or dismissive of the seriousness of the low weight
- Absence of at least three consecutive periods in women without any contraceptive or other hormonal assistance
I would like to emphasise that the above information is only a brief synopsis on Anorexia. If you need to read more, please refer to other links. Please take my advice and refrain from self-diagnosis. Diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses is a very complex process and requires the appropriate expertise! If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from this illness, please consult your Doctor who could advise you accordingly and suggest the appropriate course of action.
Bulimia Nervosa
DSM identifies two categories of Bulimia: the purging type is characterised by regular self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. The Nonpurging type which uses other means other than the ones listed above. The main characteristics of Bulimia as identified by (DSM) are:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating
- The amount of food concerned is significantly larger than an average person would eat during a particular time period
- Feeling out of control over eating during that period
- Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviour in order to prevent weight-gain e.g. self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, other medication or excessive exercise
- For the above behaviours to occur at least several times in a week
- Over-emphasis of body weight and shape on self-evaluation
I would like to emphasise that the above information is only a brief synopsis on bulimia. If you need to read more, please refer to other links. Please take my advice and refrain from self-diagnosis. Diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses is a very complex process and requires the appropriate expertise! If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from this illness, please consult your Doctor who could advise you accordingly and suggest the appropriate course of action.
