Eating disorders are included in the group of psychiatric disorders and, as research shows, require detailed diagnosis and the inclusion of treatment (pharmacological agents, psychotherapy, residential treatment and others). These problems affect both men and women of different age ranges.
Among the most common eating disorders having their origin in the human psyche are bulimia and also anorexia. Vomiting, overeating and atypical anorexia are also known. The course and development of each of the above-mentioned diseases is individual to each patient. It should be remembered that sick people very often conceal their problem and do not allow themselves to think that they may be ill. Do not underestimate the first symptoms of the disease and seek medical advice.
Selected eating disorders with a psychological basis
Eating disorders are a growing problem. The causes and mechanism of these disorders are constantly being analysed, with the doctor taking into account not only the patient's personality, but also the influence of social or environmental factors. Selected eating disorders with a psychological basis will be presented below.
Anorexia, or mentalanorexia, is more common in women than in men and usually affects young people around the age of 15. In this disorder, the patient takes all kinds of measures to reduce an already underestimated body weight or to keep it stable. Importantly, he or she does not 'get' the arguments that his or her body weight is too low in relation to his or her height or age (body image is distorted).
Somatic, metabolic disorders also appear. In anorexics, a pattern of behaviour is noticeable in which the patient constantly restricts their food intake, introduces restrictive diets or even starves themselves, uses laxatives and diuretics, introduces very exhausting exercises, and constantly claims to be too fat.
As a consequence, there are hormonal disorders, problems with concentration and learning, the patient has problems with severe dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, blood pressure drops significantly, heart palpitations, headaches, constipation, pale skin and tension and anxiety. As the disease progresses, the body becomes 'ravaged' and the sufferer has no strength to perform simple activities of daily living. There is no doubt that anorexia requires treatment (including pharmacological agents and psychotherapy). Support from family and relatives plays a key role.
Bulimia, or mental gluttony, is most common in young people and teenagers around the age of 19. People affected by bulimia are obsessed with their appearance and are constantly controlling their weight, while at the same time "bingeing".
After eating a large or very large amount of food, they do everything they can to counteract the effects of the food they have ingested (e.g. provoke vomiting, start exercising intensively, take laxatives, introduce a very restrictive diet for the following days, etc.).
Bulimics, are constantly afraid that their body weight will increase (they are afraid of becoming obese). This type of disorder, leads to severe devastation of the body, problems with the digestive system, respiratory system, circulation, hormonal disorders, problems sleeping, are constantly tired, headaches, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and even seizures occur. Bulimics, can hide their problem for a very long time.
One should not underestimate the occurrence of episodes of binge eating and subsequent attempts to rid the stomach of food, it is necessary to consult a doctor and to include the appropriate treatment for the patient.