#primary example: ARFID

[the-mountain-flower]

When one has a brain like mine, one must learn the difference between discomfort and distress very quickly

Unfortunately, the dang brain in question doesn't seem to get the memo, and often turns discomfort into distress for seemingly no dang reason, and it makes life VERY DIFFICULT

[thedietcleanse]

intro to eating disorders.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. National surveys estimate that 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Eating disorders usually develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Warning signs & symptoms

Early detection of an eating disorder dramatically increases chances of a full recovery. Typically, someone struggling with an eating disorder does not exhibit all of these signs and symptoms at once, and the warning signs vary depending on the individual. These lists are intended to provide examples of the types of behaviors that may be cause for concern.

Emotional and behavioral

Behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming a primary focus

Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, dieting, etc.

Refusal to eat certain foods or cutting out entire categories of food (no carbohydrates, etc.)

Discomfort while eating around others

Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group, excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch)

Skipping meals or consuming small portions of food at meals

Any new practices with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism)

Withdrawal from usual activities

Social isolation

Frequent dieting

Extreme concern with body size and shape

Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance

Extreme mood swings

Physical

Noticeable fluctuations in weight in either direction

Gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)

Loss of menstrual cycle or abnormal cycle

Difficulties concentrating

Abnormal lab values (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts)

Dizziness or fainting

Sleep problems

Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity

Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails

Swelling around area of salivary glands

Fine hair on body (lanugo)

Cavities, or discoloration of teeth, from vomiting

Muscle weakness

Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet

Poor wound healing

Impaired immune functioning

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Dramatic weight loss

Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, and dieting

Unable to maintain a body weight appropriate for their age, height, and genetics

Maintains an excessive, rigid exercise regime – despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury

BULIMIA NERVOSA

Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or empty food containers

Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals

Drinks excessive amounts of water or zero-calorie beverages

Has calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting

Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, discoloration of teeth from vomiting, and tooth sensitivity

BINGE EATING DISORDER

Secret recurring episodes of binge eating (eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is much larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances); feels lack of control over ability to stop eating

Feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt after overeating, and/or feelings of low self-esteem

Steals or hoards food in strange places

Plans binge sessions ahead of time

Evidence of binge eating, including the disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time period or a lot of empty wrappers and containers

*Please note, not all eating disorders fit into these three main diagnosis. Other lesser-known eating disorders include otherwise specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED), avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and PICA.

**If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one, please contact the NEDA helpline and seek professional help.

Source: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms