Is anorexia and bulimia a disease or psychological disorder?

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are recognized as mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders in the field of psychology and medicine. They are included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the primary diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals to classify and diagnose mental health conditions.

Here are a few reasons why eating disorders are considered mental illnesses:

1. Disturbances in Thinking and Behavior: Eating disorders involve significant disturbances in thinking patterns, emotions, and behaviors related to food, body image, and self-worth. People with eating disorders may have an intense preoccupation with weight, shape, and food, leading to extreme and unhealthy behaviors such as severe food restriction, binge eating, or purging.

2. Psychological Symptoms: Eating disorders are associated with a range of psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and body dysmorphic disorder (a distorted view of one's body). These psychological factors contribute to and perpetuate the disordered eating behaviors.

3. Biopsychosocial Factors: The development of eating disorders is influenced by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Genetic predispositions, certain personality traits, environmental stressors, cultural pressures related to body image, and family dynamics can all contribute to the development and persistence of eating disorders.

4. Functional Impairment: Eating disorders significantly impair a person's ability to function in various areas of life, including social relationships, school or work performance, physical health, and emotional well-being. The extreme behaviors associated with the disorders can lead to medical complications and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening.

5. Treatment Approaches: Eating disorders require professional intervention and specialized treatment approaches, including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical care. The goal of treatment is to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of the disorder and help individuals recover a healthy relationship with food, their body, and themselves.

Considering eating disorders as mental illnesses allows for appropriate diagnosis, access to treatment, and destigmatization of these conditions. It recognizes that these disorders are not simply lifestyle choices but complex mental health issues that require professional care and support.