Social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter, dominate cyberculture for younger generations and beyond globally. Despite the tremendous efforts these platforms put into monitoring and banning triggering posts, we are subject to a wide array of content. However, the return of a culture perpetuated on Tumblr, a popular blog website during the early 2010s, brings concern over unfiltered content focusing on eating disorders.
Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that impacts an individual's social and cognitive skills. While early intervention helps with symptoms in children, individuals may not get diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. However, research in recent years indicates a possible overlap between eating disorders and autism spectrum disorder.
ARFID, or Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, is an eating disorder where individuals avoid specific foods due to texture, smell, or taste, resulting in a lack of proper nutrients. Previously known as a selective eating disorder, ARFID had evolved into a new diagnosis found in the DSM-5-TR. However, misconceptions and myths surrounding ARFID make this eating disorder more difficult to treat and understand.
Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and OSFED may be the most notorious eating disorders, but many lesser-known conditions often fly under the radar, going undiagnosed and untreated. Though they may not have made it to the pages of the DSM or receive an official diagnosis, they're just as real and devastating.
While eating disorders all share certain commonalities, it is essential to distinguish between each type of eating disorder to receive proper individualized care. Orthorexia has gained significant popularity over the past 10-20 years, and while it is not officially recognized as an eating disorder in the DSM-5, it is often confused with anorexia nervosa. Some aspects of these disorders overlap, but each presents differently, and it is crucial to distinguish between the two.
While anorexia and bulimia nervosa are the most recognized eating disorders, several lesser-known eating disorders also significantly impact those suffering. There are eight different diagnoses within the Feeding and Eating Disorders chapter of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition- text revision (DSM-5-TR), a comprehensive manual covering all psychiatric and related diagnoses in the healthcare field.
