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Eating Disorders
Book chapter

Eating Disorders

Jennifer Barney, Arielle Wolinsky and Adrienne S Juarascio
The Wiley Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences
18 Sep 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119547181.ch287

Abstract

anorexia nervosa binge eating disorder bulimia nervosa
Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychiatric disorders characterized by disturbances in an individual's eating and related behaviors, resulting in psychological distress, health concerns, and reduced quality of life. The development of EDs is multifactorial and complex, including both intra‐ and interpersonal factors. To date, the strongest risk factors for both bulimia nervosa (BN) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are gender, weight and shape concerns, and a group of variables focusing on negative affect, neuroticism, and general psychiatric morbidity. However, no single factor can be identified as the primary causal influence on the development of an ED. Treatments for EDs require the clinician(s) involved to address a variety of specific, complex needs based on the presentation and severity of the diagnosed disorder. The current gold‐standard treatment for BN and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with most patients showing substantial reductions in binge eating from this treatment approach. Currently, adults with AN show poor responses to psychological treatments, with most specialized treatments still showing minimal effect sizes, though family‐based treatment with adolescents can be effective. Additional treatment research is needed to establish more effective treatments for adult patients with AN and patients who fail to benefit from existing treatments.

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