The difference between anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED)

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Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses characterized by abnormal eating habits and a preoccupation with weight and body image. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (BED):

Anorexia Nervosa (AN):

• Core Feature: Intense fear of gaining weight, even when underweight. People with AN often have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight even when they are thin.

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• Symptoms:
  • Severe weight loss (often reaching a BMI below 18.5)
  • Restriction of food intake and excessive calorie counting
  • Excessive exercise
  • Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation in females)
  • Lanugo (growth of fine, downy hair on the body)
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Dry skin
  • Social withdrawal
  • Depression and anxiety

Bulimia Nervosa (BN):

• Core Feature: Cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors to prevent weight gain. Purging behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise.
• Symptoms:
  • Repeated episodes of binge eating (consuming large amounts of food in a short period)
  • Purging behaviors after binges
  • Electrolyte imbalances due to purging
  • Swollen salivary glands
  • Damaged tooth enamel from vomiting
  • Irregular bowel movements
  • Sore throat

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED):

• Core Feature: Repeated episodes of binge eating without purging behaviors. Unlike bulimia, there's no attempt to compensate for the binges through purging.
• Symptoms:
  • Recurrent episodes of binge eating (similar to bulimia)
  • Feeling a sense of loss of control during binges
  • Eating large amounts of food rapidly
  • Eating until uncomfortably full
  • Shame, guilt, or distress after binges
  • May be overweight or obese, but not always

Key Differences:

• Weight: People with AN are typically underweight, while those with BN or BED can be of any weight, including overweight or obese.
• Purging: Purging behaviors are present in BN but not in AN or BED.
• Binging: Both BN and BED involve binge eating, but BED lacks the purging behaviors seen in BN.
• Focus: AN has a stronger focus on weight control and maintaining a low weight, while BN and BED are characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge eating and emotional distress.

Remember: This is a general overview, and the specific presentation of each eating disorder can vary. Consulting a mental health professional is crucial for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.