General description
 
Eating disorders are quite common in certain social groups. Most of those affected are young women who begin to display symptoms from early teens onwards. Although there are developmental and biological components, the main cause appears to be a control response. Such disorders are common in societies where slender body shapes are considered the norm.
 
Anorexia nervosa is characterised by extreme dieting in order to achieve 'thinness'. The person is unable to perceive the reality of their body shape and damage that may be occurring. Bulimia is slightly different in that the patient will crave food, binge eat and then deliberately vomit the food. Again there is an inability to perceive dehabilitating weight loss.
 
Common symptoms - Anorexia Nervosa

• Fear of fatness
• Under eating
• Excessive weight loss
• Vigorous exercise
• Monthly periods stop

Common symptoms - Bulimia

• Binge eating
• Irregular periods
• Vomiting and/or excessive use of laxatives

Common symptoms - General

• Inability to concentrate
• Loss of bone and muscle strength
• Long term damage to internal organs

Common treatments

• Talking Treatments
• Psychotherapy

General Advice
 
Eating disorders are an illness, they cannot just be 'shrugged off', seek professional help.