The Difference Between Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorder

May 7, 2024

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Understanding Disordered Eating

The first step in understanding the difference between disordered eating vs eating disorder is to precisely define and identify the characteristics of disordered eating.

Definition and Characteristics

Disordered eating is a term used to describe a range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder [1]. It's important to note that disordered eating is a descriptive phrase and not a clinical diagnosis. The most significant difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating is whether a person's symptoms and experiences align with the criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association [1].

Symptoms of disordered eating may include, but are not limited to:

A preoccupation with food, weight, calories, and dieting
Frequent dieting
Extreme concern with body size and shape
Extreme mood changes associated with food, weight, and body size
Repeated episodes of eating in secrecy (eatright.org)

Risks and Consequences

Many people who suffer from disordered eating patterns either minimize or do not fully realize the impact on their mental and physical health. Detrimental consequences can include a greater risk of obesity and eating disorders, bone loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, and more.

Registered dietitian nutritionists play a crucial role in detecting and treating disordered eating. Patients referred to dietitians for nutrition counseling are often unaware that their eating patterns are problematic or harmful. Working with a dietitian experienced in counseling patients with eating disorders is essential in treating disordered eating and preventing it from progressing to an eating disorder [1].

Understanding disordered eating is crucial to identifying and addressing potentially harmful eating behaviors early. While disordered eating does not meet the diagnostic criteria of an eating disorder, it is a serious issue that can significantly impact an individual's physical and emotional health. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know shows signs of disordered eating.

Exploring Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions often evidenced by extreme concerns related to eating behaviors, body weight, and body image. These disorders require intensive treatment and support for recovery.

Types and Diagnostic Criteria

Eating disorders can be categorized into several types, including but not limited to Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image that results in self-imposed starvation and excessive weight loss.

Bulimia Nervosa involves periods of uncontrollable binge-eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.

OSFED, on the other hand, is a term for disorders that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia or bulimia but still involve distressing and disruptive eating habits.

Statistically, approximately 1 million Canadians meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, underscoring the pervasive nature of these conditions.

Mortality Risks

Eating disorders have a significant impact on mortality rates. For instance, Anorexia Nervosa has a six-fold increase in mortality compared to the general population. Reasons for death include starvation, substance abuse, and suicide, as well as an increased rate of death from 'natural' causes such as cancer [3].

Patients with anorexia who use drugs have a 22-fold increased risk of premature death compared with matched control subjects. Substance use disorder has the highest premature mortality rates of any mental illness, with anorexia nervosa having the second highest.

Similarly, individuals with Bulimia Nervosa and OSFED have elevated mortality risks similar to those with Anorexia Nervosa, with crude mortality rates of 3.9% for Bulimia Nervosa and 5.2% for eating disorder not otherwise specified.

Understanding the mortality risks associated with eating disorders is crucial in reinforcing the importance of early intervention, appropriate treatment, and ongoing support for those affected.

Differentiating Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders

Addressing the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders is vital for understanding, diagnosing, and treating these conditions effectively. These two terms, while related, represent different aspects of abnormal eating behaviors.

Severity and Symptoms

Disordered eating is used to describe a range of irregular eating behaviors that may or may not warrant a diagnosis of a specific eating disorder. Symptoms of disordered eating may include, but are not limited to, a preoccupation with food, weight, calories, and dieting; frequent dieting; extreme concern with body size and shape; extreme mood changes associated with food, weight, and body size; and repeated episodes of eating in secrecy.

On the other hand, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa are diagnosed according to specific criteria, which may exclude a majority of people suffering from disordered eating.

The primary difference between disordered eating and eating disorders is the severity and degree of the symptoms. Disordered eating frequently involves many of the same behaviors that occur in eating disorders, but the symptoms occur less frequently or less intensely [6].

Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches

The most significant difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating is whether or not a person's symptoms and experiences align with the criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association. Disordered eating is a descriptive phrase, not a diagnosis [1].

In summary, disordered eating refers to abnormal eating patterns that do not meet the criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis, whereas eating disorders are clinical diagnoses. Someone with an eating disorder may exhibit disordered eating behaviors, but not all people with disordered eating will be diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Impact on Health

When examining the difference between disordered eating vs eating disorder, it's important to understand the various health implications associated with each. Both conditions can have substantial physical, emotional, and overall health consequences.

Physical and Emotional Effects

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health. They are not temporary conditions and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.

In addition to the physical effects, such as malnutrition, weight loss, or digestive issues, individuals with eating disorders often experience emotional and psychological distress. This may include feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety about food, body image, or weight. These emotional effects can exacerbate the physical symptoms, creating a vicious cycle that can be challenging to break.

Health Consequences

The health consequences of eating disorders can be severe and, in some cases, fatal. Anorexia nervosa, for example, carries a six-fold increase in mortality compared to the general population, with reasons for death including starvation, substance abuse, and suicide. There is also an increased rate of death from 'natural' causes, such as cancer [3].

Similarly, individuals with bulimia nervosa and other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) have elevated mortality risks similar to those with anorexia nervosa, with crude mortality rates of 3.9% for bulimia nervosa and 5.2% for eating disorder not otherwise specified [5].

Substance abuse is also a significant concern for patients with eating disorders. For instance, patients with anorexia who use drugs have a 22-fold increased risk of premature death compared with matched control subjects [4].

These statistics underscore the severity and public health significance of all types of eating disorders. A large-scale study over 30 years using Swedish registries showed that individuals with anorexia nervosa had a six-fold increase in mortality compared to the general population [3].

These health consequences highlight the importance of early identification, intervention, and treatment for individuals struggling with disordered eating and eating disorders. Both are serious conditions that require attention and should not be ignored.

Seeking Support and Treatment

The journey to recovery from disordered eating or an eating disorder can be challenging, but help is available. There are numerous resources for individuals seeking support, as well as multiple treatment options to address the physical, mental, and behavioral aspects of these conditions.

Resources and Helplines

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides a variety of resources for those seeking assistance. They offer a confidential screening tool for individuals concerned about struggling with an eating disorder, and resources to help find an eating disorder treatment provider both locally and online.

For those in crisis related to eating disorders, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) and the Crisis Text Line (text "HOME" to 741-741) are available. Both these services offer Spanish speaking support and assistance for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing.

NEDA also provides support and education resources specifically aimed at parents and caregivers of loved ones impacted by eating disorders through F.E.A.S.T. This indicates a focus on support for families of individuals with eating disorders.

Additional resources such as NEDA News, NEDAWalk, NEDA Blog, News & Press, and Ways to Give are offered to support individuals dealing with eating disorders or seeking information and help for loved ones.

Treatment Options

The best treatment approach for eating disorders often involves a combination of professionals working together to address the physical, mental, and behavioral aspects [9]. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of the eating disorder, and may include medical care, therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication.

People who get treatment for eating disorders often recover and go on to lead healthy lives, with different levels of care available depending on the individual's needs. However, years of living with an untreated eating disorder can harm physical health and may lead to life-threatening problems. Therefore, seeking proper medical care and mental health counseling is essential for recovery.

The National Eating Disorders Association provides a tool to help individuals find an eating disorder treatment provider in their area or online [8].

Understanding the difference between disordered eating vs eating disorder is a crucial step in recognizing the need for help. If you or a loved one are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to these resources and seek treatment.

Prevention and Awareness

In the context of understanding the difference between disordered eating vs eating disorder, prevention and awareness are crucial. Recognizing the warning signs of both conditions and understanding the importance of early intervention can make a significant difference in the individual's recovery journey.

Recognizing Warning Signs

It's vital to be aware of the symptoms that might indicate disordered eating or an eating disorder. As per eatright.org, signs of disordered eating may include:

A preoccupation with food, weight, calories, and dieting
Frequent dieting
Extreme concern with body size and shape
Extreme mood changes associated with food, weight, and body size
Repeated episodes of eating in secrecy

On the other hand, eating disorders, which are a serious mental illness that requires intensive treatment, are often evidenced by extreme concerns related to eating behaviors, body weight, and body image. According to Change Creates Change, approximately 1 million Canadians meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder.

Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is key in preventing the progression of disordered eating into a full-blown eating disorder. Registered dietitian nutritionists play a crucial role in detecting and treating disordered eating. Many patients referred to dietitians for nutrition counseling are often unaware that their eating patterns are problematic or harmful. Working with a dietitian experienced in counseling patients with eating disorders is essential in treating disordered eating and preventing it from progressing to an eating disorder, says eatright.org.

Understanding the difference between disordered eating vs eating disorder can help identify the appropriate intervention at the right time. The primary difference between disordered eating and eating disorders is the severity and degree of the symptoms. Disordered eating frequently involves many of the same behaviors that occur in eating disorders, but the symptoms occur less frequently or less intensely.

By being aware of the signs of disordered eating and understanding the importance of early intervention, individuals, families, and healthcare providers can help prevent the progression of disordered eating to a clinically diagnosable eating disorder.