Understanding 5 Less Talked About Eating Disorders
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.
By: Regina Colie
By shedding light on the lesser-known, often overlooked eating disorders, we hope to empower individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms within themselves and others, paving the way for timely intervention and support. As we broaden our understanding, we are not only breaking the stigma surrounding eating disorders and pushing for a more inclusive and comprehensive mental health landscape. It's high time we shine a light on these conditions and explore the available treatment options to ensure no one suffers in silence.
Discovering Lesser-Known Eating Disorders
Pica
Pica, unlike typical eating disorders, involves ingesting non-food items like soap or ice. Eating Disorders Victoria describes pica as “the diagnosis given to someone who regularly and persistently eats non-food substances such as chalk, soap, or paper for more than one month.” Pica becomes diagnosed when individuals develop medical issues, such as infections or cracked teeth.
Orthorexia
Orthorexia, not officially recognized in the DSM-5-TR, is an obsession with "healthy" or "clean" eating. Individuals classify specific foods or ingredients as "bad," often eliminating them. Carrie Hunnicutt’s article for Monte Nido states that orthorexia sufferers may "begin to obsess over the ingredients in their foods, spending hours each day planning meals.'' Orthorexia is associated with OCD and can result in gastrointestinal issues and nutritional deficiencies.
Rumination Disorder
Rumination Disorder, common in infants and children, can persist into adulthood. Those with Rumination Disorder regurgitate food by spitting it up, refusing to swallow, or repeating the same process. This behavior is not caused by any medical or gastrointestinal condition but can lead to malnutrition and teeth damage.
Diabulimia
Diabulimia, listed under OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder), or ED-DMT1, occurs when individuals with type-1 diabetes manipulate or skip insulin doses to lose weight. Diabulimia can lead to severe health problems, including kidney damage and cardiovascular disease.
Night Eating Syndrome
Night Eating Syndrome involves compulsive night-time food consumption. Dr. Jake Linardon’s article, Types of Eating Disorders, explains that “most of the calories consumed occur during the night, and people find themselves eating after awakening from sleep or by excessive food consumption after the evening meal." Distress and impairment may trigger these behaviors.
Treating Lesser-Known Eating Disorders
Recovering from lesser-known eating disorders may seem daunting, but hope and support are available. A multidisciplinary approach, encompassing therapy, medical care, and nutrition counseling, can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) address these disorders' emotional and behavioral aspects. Moreover, in-person or online support groups provide invaluable connections with others who share similar experiences.
Don't hesitate to consult healthcare professionals for treatment options and resources. Remember that the journey to recovery is best taken with the support of family, friends, and compassionate professionals who understand the unique challenges of lesser-known eating disorders.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ understands the fear and hesitation in seeking support. We offer a bi-monthly free virtual support group for those contemplating eating disorder support or for loved ones seeking assistance. RSVP for our next support group here.
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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
Nido, M. (2022). 6 Types of Lesser-Known Eating Disorders. Monte Nido. https://www.montenido.com/6-lesser-known-eating-disorders/
Eating Disorders Victoria. (2022, September 12). Other Eating Disorders (OSFED, UFED, Pica) | Eating Disorders Victoria. https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders-a-z/other-eating-disorders-osfed/
Linardon, J. (2021). Types of Eating Disorders. Break Binge Eating.https://breakbingeeating.com/types-of-eating-disorders/