Eating Disorders  Tags: eating_disorders ugl_subject_guide anorexia bulimia ugl  

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or severe overeating, as well as feelings of distress or extreme concern about body shape or weight.”  Eating disorders, typified by bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, are among the most common mental disorders afflicting adolescent and young women.  While eating disorders are classified as forms of mental illness, eating disorders can bring about several substantial medical complications.  Eating disorders often coincide with other problems including depression, distorted body image and substance abuse, complicating diagnosis and treatment procedures.