Eating disorders are serious, potentially life- threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by starvation and excessive weight loss. Symptoms Include:

• Refusal to maintain weight at a healthy level for height, age, and activity
• Intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"
• Distorted body image (feeling fat when actually underweight)
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape
• Loss of menstrual periods in females

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory purging behavior. Symptoms include:

• Episodes of bingeing or eating a large amount of food in a short period of time without regard for fullness
• Episodes of purging behavior following binges such as: vomiting, laxative use, compulsive exercise, or fasting
• Extreme concern with body weight and shape

Eating Disorder NOS

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) a disorder which includes people who have characteristics of anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia nervosa, but do not quite fit all of the criteria for either disorder.

• A marked increase or decrease in weight not related to a medical condition
• The development of abnormal eating habits such as severe dieting, withdrawn or ritualized behavior at mealtime, preference for strange foods, secretive bingeing
• Avoidance of social situations that involve food or meals
• An intense preoccupation with weight and body image
• Excessive talk about fat grams, calories, appearance
• Compulsive or excessive exercising
• Self-induced vomiting, periods of fasting, or laxative, diet pill, or diuretic abuse
• Feelings of isolation, depression, or irritability

Eating disorders are not just a "phase." They are complex and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.

People struggling with eating disorders need to seek professional help. The earlier a person seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery.

If you suspect that someone you love has an eating disorder, express you concerns in a caring way and seek treatment immediately.

Clinical eating disorders and borderline conditions require the care of a trained medical professional, preferably with expertise in the treatment of eating disorders. The most effective and long-lasting treatment for eating disorders is psychotherapy, coupled with careful medical monitoring and nutritional guidance.

Psychological treatment begins with care-ful assessment of the severity of the disorder, as well as the patient's unique problems, needs, and strengths. The assessment is likely to include an interview and symptom checklists completed by the patient and his or her family. Once the assessment process is completed, a treatment plan will be developed, including psychotherapy as well as careful attention to medical and nutritional needs.

Psychological treatment can typically be conducted on an outpatient basis and is likely to include individual and family therapy. Psychotherapy will address both the eating disordered symptoms and the underlying psychological, interpersonal, and cultural factors.

In some cases, the eating disorder may have led to physical problems that can be life-threatening or may have caused severe psychological or behavioral dysfunction. In these situations, a specialized eating disorder inpatient or day treatment option is recommended.