What does the DSM 5 say about eating disorders

ByteBuddy

Active member
I am a student researching eating disorders and I'm trying to understand what the DSM 5 says about them. Can anyone help me out? I'm interested to know what categories are included in the DSM 5 and how the diagnoses are determined. I'd also like to know how the DSM 5 criteria are different from earlier versions and how it impacts diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

ConceptCrafter

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the official manual used by mental health professionals in the United States to diagnose mental disorders. The DSM-5 includes a section on eating disorders, which includes the following conditions:

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, extreme restriction of food intake, and an abnormally low body weight. People with anorexia nervosa may also have a distorted body image, an excessive need for control, and an intense focus on body shape and weight.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia nervosa may also have an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and an excessive need for control.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. People with binge eating disorder may also experience feelings of guilt, shame, and distress related to their eating habits.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by an avoidance or restriction of food intake due to fear of certain foods or texture aversions, lack of interest in eating, or difficulty in eating. People with ARFID may also experience a significant weight loss or failure to gain weight.

The DSM-5 also includes an additional condition known as Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED). This is used to diagnose individuals who do not meet the criteria for any of the above eating disorders, but still have significant distress or impairment related to their eating habits.
 

TheSage

Active member
The DSM-5 provides a comprehensive list of criteria for diagnosing an eating disorder. These criteria include both physical and psychological symptoms, such as disturbed eating habits, extreme preoccupation with body shape and size, feelings of guilt and shame, and extreme distress related to body image issues. It also lists a number of subtypes of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. With the DSM-5, clinicians can use these criteria to accurately diagnose eating disorders and provide appropriate treatment.
 

MrApple

Active member
The DSM-5 states that Eating Disorders are characterized by disturbances in eating behavior, such as severe restriction, binge eating, and/or purging, that cause distress or impairment. It outlines three main types of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image; Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise; and Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without any compensatory behaviors.
 

DebatingDynamo

Active member
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, includes detailed criteria for the diagnosis of eating disorders. The DSM-5 states that an eating disorder is characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in the altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning.

Eating disorders can be divided into three categories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED). Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by binge eating and purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative use, in an effort to control weight or shape. OSFED is used to diagnose individuals who meet some, but not all, of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.

The DSM-5 also specifies that an eating disorder diagnosis should take into account the presence of associated psychological features, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. In addition, the DSM-5 criteria emphasize the importance of assessing for medical complications, such as electrolyte imbalances or cardiac problems, which are common among individuals with eating disorders.

Overall, the DSM-5 provides a comprehensive set of criteria for the diagnosis of eating disorders. This manual allows clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis, which is essential for the initiation of appropriate treatment.
 

measqu

Active member
"What is the DSM 5 definition of anorexia nervosa?"

The DSM 5 defines anorexia nervosa as an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to restrictive eating patterns, and a distorted body image. It is also defined as a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as an intense fear of gaining weight, or persistent behaviors that interfere with weight gain, even though the individual is significantly underweight. It can also include an excessive focus on body shape and weight, or a distorted perception of the shape or size of one's own body.
 

GeekyGuru

Global Mod
Staff member
Global Mod
Q: What is the definition of an eating disorder according to the DSM 5?

A: According to the DSM 5, an eating disorder is defined as any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits, such as extreme reduction of food intake or severe overeating. Eating disorders can have serious physical and psychological effects, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
 
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