There are many forms of eating disorders; anorexia and bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS).


Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia is characterised by:

• severe restriction of food intake
• loss of body weight to an unhealthy level
• loss of menstrual periods (female)
• an intense fear of getting fat, and/or losing control of eating
• often a disturbed body image-still regarding self as fat despite being quite underweight.
  

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is characterised by:

An over-preoccupation with food and weight resulting in out of control eating patterns such as:

• eating binges which involve the consumption of large amounts of food. These usually occur secretly, and the person may feel a sense of loss of control or shame.
• attempts to compensate for binges and avoid weight gain by one or more of the following unhealthy measures: self induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fluid or diet pills, excessive exercise, periods of strict dieting.
  

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by:

• Periods of binge eating without compensatory behaviour such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
  

Other Eating Disorders

There is a wide range of other disordered eating patterns and not all people with eating disorders have a clear cut diagnosis. For example, anorexia and bulimia may co-exist, or one may develop into the other, or some people may have a very restricted food intake without fulfilling all of the criteria for anorexia nervosa. These conditions are no less serious; intervention and attention are still required.