What are the three primary types of eating disorders?

The identification of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-eating disorder as the three primary types of eating disorders is grounded in the diagnostic criteria established by mental health professionals. These three disorders are well-recognized within the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to restrictive eating and significant weight loss. This disorder often involves a distorted body image and can have severe physical and psychological consequences.

Bulimia Nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. This cycle can cause a range of health issues, including electrolyte imbalances and damage to the digestive system.

Binge-eating disorder, on the other hand, is marked by episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without the subsequent purging behaviors seen in bulimia. Individuals may feel distress regarding their eating behaviors, but unlike bulimia, they do not engage in compensatory actions.

These three disorders share common features such as preoccupation with food, body image, and weight, making them central to the classification of eating disorders in