Eating Disorders vs Disordered Eating

Many people do not know the difference between Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating. While they sound like they’re along the same lines, they are different. Eating Disorders are clinical mental health illnesses which are diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on the DSM-5, a diagnostics tool. Eating Disorders are very serious and have a worryingly high mortality rate. For an Eating Disorder to be diagnosed, a person must meet certain criteria set out by the DSM-5. There are various types of Eating Disorders, such as:

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• Orthorexia

• ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)

• OSFED (other specified feeding or eating disorder)

• Less commonly known Pica and Rumination Disorder

Disordered Eating is sub-clinical area between a healthy relationship with food and an Eating Disorder. It’s the abnormal and dysfunctional behaviours and beliefs someone has regarding food, yet does not meet the categories required for an Eating Disorder diagnosis. People are often not even aware they have Disordered Eating behaviours, thinking that they have a healthy relationship with food. The behaviours which may mean someone has Disordered Eating is if they partake in:

dieting, restrict their food intake, restrict the time they eat, restrict food groups or certain foods, food occupies a lot of brain space, have rigid food rules, experience digestive symptoms caused by their diet, malnourishment, tracking food intake and lack of energy to name a few.

Issues with diagnosis

The issue with the strictness of the DSM-5 is that people with Disordered Eating do not receive adequate support from the welfare system because they are deemed “not sick enough” and are left to their own devices to seek support. While a person’s Disordered Eating may not develop into an active Eating Disorder, it is a risk factor which may make them more vulnerable to it.

Where to get help

If you, or someone you know, may be struggling with an Eating Disorder, it’s vital they receive professional help. You can find support and information on:

• The Beat Website (https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/)

• The NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk)

• Contact your GP

• Mind website (https://mind.org.uk)

• Emergency Department like A&E

If you find that you, or someone you know, may be experiencing Disordered Eating, you can book a Free 15 Minute Discovery Call with me here. You can also contact your GP as well as the services provided above.