Related Terms

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Background

• Eating disorders are illnesses that cause a person to adopt harmful eating habits. They are most common among females, especially teenage girls. Eating disorders frequently occur along with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. The poor nutrition associated with eating disorders may harm organs in the body and, in severe cases, may lead to death.
• Researchers believe that multiple factors, including genetics, stress, psychological factors, environmental factors, and cultural influences, may lead to the development of an eating disorder.
• Individuals can develop eating disorders at any age. Eating disorders commonly affect adolescent girls, but the number of males that suffer from these disorders is on the rise. It is important to understand that an eating disorder often occurs as a way to cope with an underlying problem, such as low self-esteem or depression.
• Treatment for eating disorders must focus on more than just weight gain or weight loss. Treatment must also address the underlying cause, which often has a psychological basis. Patients may benefit from psychotherapy, nutritional education, exercise programs, and/or medications. The length of treatment varies among patients. It may last anywhere from several months to years.

Types of Eating Disorders

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Causes

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Signs and Symptoms

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Complications

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Drug Abuse Related To Eating Disorders

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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