An Eating Disorder is a serious mental health disorder identified by different levels of psychological and physical factors. It can apply to harmful or self-defeating patterns of eating behaviour that characteristically involves preoccupation with food, weight and body image.

Eating Disorders are more than just a problem with food.  Restricting food, over eating over exercising, use of laxatives, misuse of drugs and/or alcohol, or purging, are some of the behaviours that sufferers may use to deal with their many difficult, painful, and overwhelming thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

We often hear about Anorexia, but there are other types of Eating Disorders that are recognised by Health Professionals.

They are Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders). The media also talk about Diabulimia (Misuse of Insulin by people with Diabetes) and Orthorexia (unhealthy obsession with eating healthy foods).  Many of the behaviours can overlap though, as people with Bulimia may restrict and people with Anorexia may purge.

At TEDS, we often discuss the idea that Eating Disorders are about feelings, not food. Depression, self-harm, and OCD are common amongst sufferers. Eating Disorders do not sit alone. They are a serious medical condition, with serious physical and psychological effects.

If left untreated, the physical effects can be fatal, and sadly Anorexia has the highest suicide rate of any mental health condition. Sufferers and families need ongoing support. Sufferers need to be regularly monitored by their GP and early intervention is recommended. TEDS can help you assess suicide risk for your loved one.

Causes

Eating Disorders are a very complex psychological condition, with no single known cause. It is believed that several factors might contribute such as:

• Stressful life events, experiences, or changes
• Emotional factors such as low self-esteem and poor self-image
• Personality characteristics such as perfectionism
• Culture
• Other mental health problems
• Bullying
• Dieting
• Biology

Some researchers are looking at genetics, and brain/hormonal activity, or family problems. At TEDS we encourage families and sufferers to DITCH THE GUILT and focus on recovery.  Nobody asks to have an Eating Disorder, and we know it can be hard to accept your loved one has a mental health problem. You deserve our support.

Who Gets an Eating Disorder?

Females are more likely to develop eating disorders, (about 90% of sufferers), but this is changing as male eating disorders are on the increase. They often develop in adolescence, or early adulthood, but can develop earlier or later.

Recovery

Recovery might look different for different people, but we know that recovery is real, and we have seen it over and over again. You can break free of an Eating Disorder with support.  Recovery is a verb, a doing thing, and at TEDS we believe that recovery is possible with the right support at the right time. There is always hope for change, just keep going, keep trying and be kind to yourself always through the recovery process. Relapses do not mean failure. Through struggle comes strength and remind yourself that to get to the top of any mountain, to see that amazing view, there are pitfalls and hurdles, there are no smooth mountain tops!

For more information about Eating Disorders

Check out the Eating Disorders page on the NHS website for a comprehensive yet easy to follow guide to the various kinds of eating disorders that exist and how they affect people from all cross sections of society.