Eating Disorders

What eating disorders are

Eating disorders are mental health conditions involving persistent disturbances in eating or eating-related behavior that significantly affect physical health and psychological wellbeing. The DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 group several conditions in this category, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

Psychologists understand eating disorders as arising from a mix of biological, psychological and social influences, such as genetics, temperament, emotional difficulties, life stress and cultural messages about bodies and food. They can affect people of any age, gender, body size, ethnicity or background, and they are not a lifestyle choice. With appropriate support, many people recover.

Talking to a professional

Eating disorders can be hard to recognize, and people affected may feel ambivalent or ashamed about seeking help. Only a qualified professional can assess physical and mental health and recommend appropriate care, which often involves medical as well as psychological support.

A primary care doctor (GP) is usually the first step and can refer to specialist eating disorder services, where psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists and dietitians work together. National eating disorder charities provide helplines for individuals and for worried family and friends.

Before an appointment, it can help to note down your questions, what you have noticed and any medicines you already take. It is reasonable to ask about the options available, what the research says about them and what happens next. Good clinicians welcome questions and explain things in plain language.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on body image, adolescent mental health and how to find a therapist. Our guide to types of mental health professionals explains who does what.