Eating Disorders

Tracy L. Tylka

Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by chronicity and relapse and are some of the most common psychiatric disorders faced by girls and women. The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) , the criteria for anorexia nervosa include emaciation (i.e., a body mass index ≤ 17.5), an intense fear of becoming fat, disturbed perception of body shape, denial of the seriousness of low body weight, and for postmenarcheal women, the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles. Criteria for bulimia nervosa include uncontrollable binge eating followed by compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain (e.g., vomiting, excessive exercise, misuse of laxatives, fasting), occurring at least twice a week for a minimum duration of 3 months. People with anorexia or bulimia evaluate themselves primarily by their body shape and weight. Individuals who ...

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