Although anorexia and bulimia are the two kinds of the most well-known eating disorders, there are six common kinds of eating disorders with various signs and symptoms. These eating disorders are all described in the DSM-5, which recognizes mental health disorders.
Today, experts recognize six unique kinds of eating disorders.
Each of these has the potential to impact a person’s life significantly, so they need to get help as soon as possible. If a teen boy you know struggles with disordered eating, please reach out to Foothills at Red Oak today at 866.300.5275.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is the most well-known disorder of all the eating disorders on this list. People with this condition restrict their food intake because they see themselves as overweight even when they are not. They may constantly monitor their weight, restrict their calories, and avoid eating whenever possible.
With this condition, obsessive-compulsive symptoms may be present, which is something a rehabilitation program must address.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is a well-known disorder that usually develops in adolescence. When it occurs, those with bulimia eat enormous amounts of food. Afterward, they purge to compensate for how many calories they consumed.
There are serious side effects of this condition, such as a sore throat, swollen salivary glands, tooth decay, dehydration, and other medical problems. In severe cases, an imbalance of the body’s electrolytes could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder is one of the more common eating disorders. It happens when someone eats a tremendous amount of food in one sitting. Unlike bulimia or anorexia, there is no restriction of the diet or purging following a binge. People with this disorder tend to be overweight.
Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder is a new kind of eating disorder that has only recently been recognized. This is when a person regurgitates their food. They may eat, regurgitate, swallow again or spit it out. This usually happens shortly after a meal, within a half-hour or so.
While certain medical conditions make this happen involuntarily, the difference for people with rumination disorder is that they have chosen to do this. Adults with this disease may limit how much they eat, especially if they are working, at school, or otherwise in public.
Pica
Pica is a medical condition that leads to someone eating things that aren’t food. For example, someone with pica may enjoy eating pebbles or glue. They may chew on ice or soil, or they might crave chalk or hair.
Pica can be found throughout all age ranges, but it’s usually found in those who are pregnant, children, and those with mental disabilities. Pica needs treatment because if a person eats a dangerous substance, it could be deadly.
Restrictive/Avoidant Food Intake Disorder
With ARFID, the people who are usually affected are seven years old or younger. It typically develops in infancy and means that the individual is not interested in eating because of a lack of interest or distaste for the food presented to them. For example, they may not like food of certain colors, temperatures, smells, tastes, or textures.
Seek Disordered Eating Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Today
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we can help with eating disorders. Whether a teen is binge eating or struggling with pica, we have the experience needed to help them adapt and learn to eat in a healthy manner.
Our program serves teen males between the ages of 14 and 17 who may need specialized help with eating disorders, psychological concerns, or substance use disorders. Contact us at 866.300.5275 to learn more about how we can help.
