Family based treatment for eating disorders

This page is reference information compiled from the cited sources. It is not medical advice. For any decision about health, diagnosis or care, consult a qualified professional.

What it is

An eating disorder is a mental disorder defined by abnormal eating behaviors that adversely affect a person's physical or mental health. These behaviors may include eating too much food or too little food, as well as body image issues. Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica, rumination syndrome, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and a group of other specified feeding or eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa involves an intense fear of gaining weight and restriction of food and/or over exercise. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors. Binge eating disorder involves eating large amounts in a short period without purging. Anxiety disorders, depression and substance abuse are common among people with eating disorders.

Key facts

The causes of eating disorders are not clear, although both biological and environmental factors appear to play a role. Cultural idealization of thinness is believed to contribute to some eating disorders. Individuals who have experienced sexual abuse are also more likely to develop eating disorders. Treatment can be effective for many eating disorders and varies by disorder, potentially involving counseling, dietary advice, and reducing excessive exercise. About 70% of people with anorexia nervosa and 50% of people with bulimia recover within five years. Only 10% of people with eating disorders receive treatment, and of those, approximately 80% do not receive the proper care. Recovery from binge eating disorder is less clear and estimated at 20% to 60%. Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa increase the risk of death. In the developed world, anorexia nervosa affects about 0.4% and bulimia affects about 1.3% of young women in a given year.

When to seek professional help

The source text associates professional care with the treatment of eating disorders. Treatment may be needed for disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica, rumination disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Hospitalization may be needed in more serious cases. Professional help is indicated when marked distress regarding binge eating is present for a diagnosis of binge eating disorder. Behaviors lasting for at least one month are noted for diagnoses of pica and rumination disorder. The source states that only 10% of people with eating disorders receive treatment, implying a situation where professional care is not accessed.

Source: Eating disorder (CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)), retrieved 2026-09-28.