Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Eating Disorders
Number of Conditions: 4
Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
limited interest in food; avoidance of foods based on texture or appearance; nutritional deficiencies; weight loss; dependence on nutritional supplements
Root Cause:
Fear of aversive consequences of eating (e.g., choking, vomiting) or lack of interest in food.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation and ruling out other medical causes of restrictive eating.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and gradual exposure to diverse foods.
Medications:
No FDA-approved medications; some cases may benefit from appetite stimulants like cyproheptadine or medications targeting anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 3.2% of the population, more common in children but can persist into adulthood.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sensory processing issues, anxiety disorders, history of feeding difficulties.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early intervention, outcomes improve significantly; untreated, nutritional deficiencies and health complications may develop.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Growth delays, nutritional deficiencies, social isolation.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time; loss of control during episodes; eating when not physically hungry; eating until uncomfortably full; feelings of guilt or distress after eating
Root Cause:
Dysregulated reward and appetite systems in the brain, often influenced by emotional distress, trauma, or genetics.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews based on DSM-5 criteria and patient history; self-report measures like the Binge Eating Scale (BES).
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), structured meal plans, and support groups.
Medications:
Lisdexamfetamine (a stimulant approved for BED), SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline , and topiramate (an anticonvulsant).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1.9% of the global population, with higher prevalence among females.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, dieting history, emotional trauma, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many individuals improve with treatment; without intervention, BED can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and depression.
Bulimia Nervosa
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or laxative use; preoccupation with body weight; fear of weight gain; swollen salivary glands; tooth enamel erosion; dehydration
Root Cause:
Dysregulated eating behaviors driven by psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, and societal pressures.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews and DSM-5 criteria assessment, including binge-purge cycles and self-perception of body weight.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders), nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring.
Medications:
Fluoxetine (an SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia; other SSRIs may be used off-label.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1% of young women, with higher prevalence in females than males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Dieting, body dissatisfaction, genetic predisposition, history of trauma or abuse.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, many recover; without intervention, long-term complications can develop.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal tears.
Emergent Management of Bulimia Nervosa
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Emergency
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
binge eating; compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, excessive exercise); electrolyte imbalances; dental erosion; gastrointestinal issues; dehydration; irregular heartbeat
Root Cause:
Psychological and biological factors leading to cycles of bingeing and compensatory behaviors, often linked to body image issues.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment per DSM-5 criteria, including recurrent binge-eating episodes and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, occurring at least once a week for three months. Physical exam and lab tests to assess for complications.
Treatment:
Stabilize acute complications (e.g., electrolyte imbalances, dehydration). Long-term treatment includes psychotherapy (CBT or DBT), nutritional rehabilitation, and medications.
Medications:
Fluoxetine (SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia. Medications address underlying depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–2% of women and 0.5% of men worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Adolescence, perfectionism, cultural pressure to be thin, history of trauma or dieting, and co-existing mental health disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Full recovery is possible with comprehensive treatment, but relapses are common without ongoing support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Electrolyte disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal rupture, or chronic gastrointestinal issues.