MHM Magazine

16 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2022 | Issue 4 MHM Eating disorders consist of a range of disordered eating behaviours associated with body image concerns. They are most common in adolescent females. Although these disorders may occur across cultures, cultural and social norms regarding body weight play a significant role in the development of these disorders. Disordered eating behaviour may manifest as undereating or overeating or a combination of both behaviours. Undereating or restriction of food intake may occur both in terms of quantity and types of food which are avoided. Overeating or binge eating disorder occurs when there is overeating or binge-eating without compensatory behaviour. This is the most common eating disorder in the United States of America (there are no prevalence figures for South Africa). There is also a strong association with other psychiatric disorders, in particular, addictions and mood disorders, and this condition results in significant medical complications. However, it is important to remember that there is a range of severity of disordered eating behaviour with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders being at the severe ends of the spectrum of eating disorders. It has also been found that individuals with eating disorders may shift from one form of eating disorder to another form over time. Therefore, the concept of a “Transdiagnostic” approach to the assessment and management of eating disorders has gained traction over time. Various factors have been suggested as contributing to the development of eating disorders. By Dr Rita Thom Psychiatrist Johannesburg EATING DISORDERS AETIOLOGY AND TREATMENT