eating disorder symptoms and effects

eating disorder symptoms and effects Lots of people experience changes in their eating habits during times of
stress. For example if someone is under stress at work they might eat less
and lose weight. If someone recently broke up with a partner they may eat
more.When the feelings of stress have reduced eating habits usually return
to normal.
However, some people can become preoccupied with food and eating.
It can cause them distress and affect their day-to-day life, and in some cases
can lead to severe consequences for their health. We would refer to these
people as having an ‘eating disorder’. There are several different types of eating disorder and they appear to be common in people with intellectual
disabilities. Some conditions predispose to eating problems, e.g. people
with Prader-Willi Syndrome may have the tendency to overeat.
A diagnosis of an eating disorder is made when the symptoms or signs
are not a direct consequence of any other mental health (e.g. depression,
drugs) or physical disorder and are out of keeping with the person’s
cultural background (e.g. abstaining from certain foods due to religious
reasons). The diagnosis also takes into account that an adequate and
balanced diet is available.
Eating disorders associated with intellectual disabilities include:
Pica: repeated eating and/or mouthing of non-nutritive
substances (e.g. soil, paper, hair, dust, paint chippings, faeces)
Excessive chewing/spitting out: repeated excessive chewing
and/or spitting out without swallowing resulting in weight
loss or failure to gain weight
Food rumination/regurgitation: repeated food
regurgitation (bringing swallowed food back into the mouth)
and/or food rumination (re-chewing swallowed food) resulting
in weight loss or failure to gain weight
Food faddiness/food refusal: refusal to eat an adequate and
balanced dietary intake, failure to gain weight and/or loss of
weight
Anorexia nervosa: severe dieting, despite very low weight,
distorted body image (an unreasonable belief that one is
overweight), and amenorrhoea (lack of periods)
Bulimia: binge-eating (eating large amounts of food in a few
hours) and purging (attempts to eliminate food by self-induced
vomiting, or via diuretic or laxative use)
Common features are:
Unreasonable fear of being fat or gaining weight
Extensive efforts to control weight (e.g. strict dieting, vomiting,
use of purgatives, excessive exercise) Denial that weight or eating habits are a problem
Low mood, anxiety/irritability
Obsessional symptoms
Relationship difficulties
Increasing withdrawal
School and work problems
There can be medical consequences of eating disorders, including:
Amenorrhoea (periods stopping)
Dental problems (tooth damage or decay)
Muscle weakness
Kidney stones
Unusual hair growth
Constipation
Problems with regulating body temperature
Liver dysfunction
Dizziness and fainting