Problems Treated

Bulimia is a condition in which people binge eat and then compensate for the binge eating, whether that is by purging, exercising or restricting. It is typically driven by concerns about weight, shape or eating, although may well have other functions.

Anorexia is a condition in which people restrict their food intake, to the extent that weight drops significantly. It is typically accompanied by body dissatisfaction, a drive to lose weight or a fear of weight gain, although it may well have other functions.

Binge eating disorder is a condition in which people binge eat but with no compensation. Bingeing feels out of control and often results in feelings of guilt or shame. There is usually body image dissatisfaction, although bingeing may also be driven by emotions.

ARFID is a condition in which food avoidance leads to significant low weight or nutritional deficiencies. It is typically driven by sensory aversion, fear of adverse consequences of eating, or persistent low interest in food.

OSFED (formerly called EDNOS) captures eating disorders which don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for AN, BN, or BED. This is the most common form of eating disorder, and is just as serious as other diagnoses.

BDD is a condition in which there is significant preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in appearance, which are usually unnoticeable or less prominent to others. It causes high levels of distress and has a significant impact on quality of life.

Although most people will turn to “comfort food” at times, some people find that they are constantly using food as a way of managing difficult emotions. If this is causing significant distress or affecting someone’s quality of life, it is worth seeking help.

Trauma is an emotional response to experiencing a frightening or distressing event, such as an assault, a car crash, or an aversive childhood experience such as bullying or neglect. People can use eating disorders as a way of managing the impact of trauma.

It is common for eating disorders to affect mood. However, if you are also struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, perfectionism or another mood disorder, this may need treatment alongside your eating disorder as part of your recovery.