Diagnosing and treating eating disorders - By: Kelley Mills

Eating disorders refer to a group of conditions that involve either insufficient or excessive food intake to the detriment of an individual's physical and mental health. Bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the most common forms of eating disorders in the United States. Though primarily thought of as affecting females, eating disorders affect males as well. Eating disorders are increasing all over the world among both men and women. However, some of the latest evidence suggests that it is women in the Western world who are at the highest risk of developing them; women in countries that are westernizing at a rapid rater are also increasingly at risk.

The initial diagnosis of eating disorders should be made by a competent medical professional. All organic causes should be ruled out prior to a diagnosis of an eating disorder or any other psychiatric disorder is made. Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa are the most clearly defined subgroups of a wider range of eating disorders.

There are a variety of medical conditions which may be misdiagnosed as an eating disorder. Addison's Disease is one such imitator. Addison's Disease is a disorder that results in decreased hormonal production; even in subclinical form, the disease may mimic many of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Gastric adenocarcinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world. Complications due to this condition have been misdiagnosed as an eating disorder.

There are also a number of psychological disorders which may be misdiagnosed as an eating disorder. Emetophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of vomiting. Phagophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of eating; it is usually initiated by an adverse experience while eating such as choking or vomiting. Persons with this disorder may complain of pain while swallowing. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by excessive rumination over an actual or perceived physical flaw.

Eating Disorder Treatment varies according to the type and severity of the disorder. It is usually the case that more than one treatment option is utilized. However, it should be noted that there is not enough good evidence about treatment and management; indeed, current views about treatment are based mainly on clinical experience. It is therefore crucial that family doctors be given a role in early treatment, as patients suffering from eating disorders will be reluctant to see a psychiatrist.

Nevertheless, a number of methods are used to treat eating disorders, including Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Medical nutrition therapy is a therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions and their associated symptoms through the use of a specifically tailored diet devised and monitored by a registered dietician. The diet is based upon the patient's medical and psychosocial history, physical examination and dietary history. Many medical conditions either develop or are made worse by an improper or unhealthy diet. The aim of MNT is to reduce the risk of developing complications in pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and to counter the effects of any existing conditions such as high cholesterol.

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