About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are characterized by a persistent pattern of dysfunctional eating or dieting behavior. These patterns of eating behavior are associated with significant emotional, physical, and interpersonal distress.
It can be difficult to delineate between normal differences in eating patterns and actual eating disorders. The links on this page provide a basic overview of eating disorders, their treatment and associated issues.
Please note that although most individuals with eating disorders are female, the criteria and descriptions also apply to the 5-10 percent of individuals with these disorders who are male.
For more information, click the title.
- Eating Disorder Diagnoses
- Prevalence of Eating Disorders
- Course and Outcome of Eating Disorders
- Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
- Treatment
- Consequences of Eating Disorders
- References
Note: Formal diagnoses of eating disorders are best made by clinicians, on the basis of the specific criteria found in Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders, Third Edition, 2006.
