December 01, 2024

Eating and Feeding Disorders

Eating is a basic need—nothing new or complicated there. Modern society often discusses food: how to explore new cuisines, eat healthily, or prepare meals. However, in some cases, maintaining a regular and somewhat healthy diet can become so difficult that it qualifies as a mental disorder. But why does this happen?

Eating is a behavior that involves choosing what and how much to consume. When someone systematically chooses to consume non-food substances, avoids eating, or overeats uncontrollably—putting their survival and social quality of life at risk—it is classified as a disorder. Specifically, it is referred to as an Eating and Feeding Disorder.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) identifies six primary Eating and Feeding Disorders:

  1. Pica
  2. Rumination Disorder
  3. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
  4. Anorexia Nervosa
  5. Bulimia Nervosa
  6. Binge-Eating Disorder.
Sources:
  • American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
  • Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.

For further insights, I recommend watching this video.

If you'd like me to explain another psychology topic in my own words, feel free to ask in the comments!

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