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Eating disorders are mental health issues characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors. Disordered eating may involve eating too little or too much, rigidly restricting food portions or types, eating compulsively or purging eaten food. Some changes in eating patterns may originally come out of a desire to be healthier and more physically fit, but disordered eating can spiral out of control with life-threatening side effects.����

“Eating disorders don't discriminate,” says Suzanne Straebler, PhD., PMH-BC, director of�� Clinical Care for the Eating Disorder Partial Hospital Program and Outpatient Eating Disorder Specialty Clinic at �鶹����. “Eating disorders affect people of all genders, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic status and sizes.”����

“We're seeing [eating disorders] start at a younger age. We have been accepting patients as young as 11 in our unit,” says Melissa Klein, PhD., assistant professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry at �鶹���� and an assistant attending psychologist at New York Presbyterian Westchester Division. “We also see it go up into much older ages: 50s, 60s. I think we're seeing a lot more disordered eating overall.”��

Recognizing the Different Eating Disorders��

Since eating disorders are as varied as the people they affect. Recognizing the different disorders can help you or your loved ones identify their presence much faster. The most common eating disorders include:����

Also, be watchful for changes in eating patterns. Being underweight is not the only indication of disordered eating—people with eating disorders can be normal weight or overweight. Depending on the specific illness, signs of disordered eating may include:��

Eating Disorders Prevention��

The exact causes of eating disorders are not well understood, but likely are due to a combination of genetic, psychological and social influences. For many young people, mixed messages about weight and attractiveness from peers, mainstream media and social media can be particularly powerful. Parents can counter some of these influences by modeling healthy behaviors and attitudes around eating and exercise at home.����

Dr. Straebler and Dr. Klein advise that instead of labeling foods as good or bad, demonstrate that all foods can be enjoyed in moderation. Provide a wide variety of foods at mealtimes, and emphasize that food is a source of energy the body needs. It’s also important to not talk negatively about your own body size and shape, and to avoid commenting on your child's weight.����

Eating Disorder Treatment��

Eating disorders are complicated, and often occur together with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or substance use disorders. Fortunately, effective treatments are available. Early detection and swiftly seeking help are key to helping someone achieve lasting recovery from an eating disorder.������

“Eating disorders are very difficult illnesses to treat,” Dr. Klein says. “What we do see is that patients can be very responsive to treatment. With adolescents, when this disorder is caught early and they're given the help that they need, we do see a high rate of recovery.”��

Treatment plans are tailored to the affected person’s needs. Plans typically focus on ensuring adequate nutrition, restoring weight, stopping cycles of binging and purging, and curtailing extreme exercise routines. These goals are usually achieved through a combination of approaches, which may include:����