Eating Disorders: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes

By Loren A. Olson, MD

(Photo source: iStock)

Eating disorders are among the most dangerous and difficult to treat of all mental health disorders. Eating disorders do not discriminate. They can be found in both genders, all age groups, and across a wide variety of races and ethnic backgrounds. Eating disorders adversely impact the health and well-being of those affected. And, sometimes, eating disorders can become quite severe and, without aggressive medical treatment, can lead to death.[1]

This article will explore the key features of these often misunderstood disorders.

Our unhealthy relationship with food

Were you ever told you must clean up your plate? Or eat your Brussel sprouts before you could have dessert? If so, you aren’t alone. Many of us grew up being harangued with some variation of these types of “eat your food or else” threats. However, they are just one of many contributing factors to American’s unhealthy relationship with food. Among others are:

• Our belief that anything enjoyable is inherently wrong
• Thinking that things that are good for us are not enjoyable
• Eating and dieting are national obsessions
• Obsession with thin beauty is…