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Anxiety
One of the most common mental effects of eating disorders is heightened anxiety, which frequently leads to
individuals to engage in avoidance behaviours. These behaviours can take various forms, such as evading
food and avoiding situations that evoke these emotions. For instance, someone with an eating disorder might
avoid social gatherings with food is present to escape feelings of guilt or fear surrounding eating in front of
others. Others may engage in rigid exercise routine as a means of avoiding anxiety, inducing situation related
Depression
Eating disorders often lead to negative body image and low self-esteem, which can contribute to feelings of
depression. Constant preoccupation with food, weight and body shape can reinforce these negative beliefs
about oneself. Individuals with eating disorders may withdraw from social activities and relationships due to
People with eating disorders often experience cyclical patterns of thought that feel difficult to control. These
patterns resemble those seen in obsessive compulsive disorder. For instance, someone with binge eating
disorder might see food and immediately think about overeating. This could lead to feelings of shame about
past eating behaviours, followed by thoughts of purging. The guilt shame associated with these thoughts
Social isolation, or being alone a lot, can make things worse for someone with an eating problem. They can.
Contribute to increased feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression. The lack of social connection can
intensify negative emotions, already presented individual with eating disorders, leading to heightened
emotional distress. Encouraging social connection, fostering supportive relationships, providing opportunities
for social engagement can help individuals feel connected, valued and supported in their recovery journey.
Diagnosing eating disorders is a comprehensive process that involves thorough assessment of physical,
psychological, and behavioural aspects. Here's a detailed explanation of the steps involved:
Clinical Assessment
Healthcare professionals begin by conducting detailed interviews to gather information about the individual's
eating habits, weight history, body image perceptions, and emotional well-being. They explore patterns of
food intake, including any restrictive eating, binge eating episodes, or purging behaviours (such as self-
induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives). Additionally, clinicians inquire about associated behaviours, such as
excessive exercise, and any physical symptoms or complications, like dizziness, fatigue, or gastrointestinal
Physical Examination
Comprehensive physical examination is conducted to assess the individual's overall health and identify any
physical signs or complications related to the eating disorder. This includes measuring vital signs such as
blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Healthcare providers also assess height, weight, and body mass
index (BMI) to evaluate nutritional status and monitor changes over time. Physical examination may reveal
signs of malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or other medical complications associated with
disordered eating.
Physiological Examination
interviews, and psychological assessments to evaluate the individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
related to food, weight, and body image. They explore underlying psychological factors contributing to the
eating disorder, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health
conditions. This assessment helps determine the severity of the eating disorder and guides treatment
planning.
Diagnostic Tests
Healthcare providers refer to established diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if the individual meets the criteria for specific
eating disorders. The DSM-5 categorizes eating disorders into different types, including anorexia nervosa,
bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Diagnosis is
based on the presence of specific symptoms, behaviors, and psychological factors outlined in the diagnostic
criteria.
Laboratory Tests
Blood tests may be ordered to assess nutritional status, hormone levels, electrolyte levels, and other
physiological markers associated with eating disorders. These tests may help identify any medical
complications or underlying health issues that may require medical intervention. For example, electrolyte
imbalances, such as low potassium levels, can indicate complications like purging or dehydration behaviours
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