Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Night Eating Syndrome and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified

Eating disorders are psychological illnesses associated with a host of adverse medical conditions, negative psychological affects, and substantial reductions in quality of life. This paper will explore some of the causes research has attributed to this behavior. According to Leslie Sim, et al. (2010) the main eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, night eating syndrome and eating disorders not otherwise specified.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is described as abnormally low body weight of at least 15% below what would be expected and a corresponding fear of weight gain with an undue emphasis on weight and shape in self-evaluation. The incidence of anorexia nervosa is approximately 0.5% to 1% and is highest among adolescent girls and young women. Anorexia nervosa can be classified into 2 subtypes, the restricting subtype and the...
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