Anorexia nervosa involves a persistent restriction of food intake, which can be connected to intense fear of weight gain, body image concerns, perfectionism, or a need for control. It can significantly affect physical health, emotional well-being, and one’s relationship with food, the body, and the self.

Symptoms:

• Restrictive eating patterns

• Intense fear of weight gain

• Distorted body image

• Preoccupation with food, weight, or body size

• Perfectionism or rigid thinking

• Social withdrawal or secrecy around eating

• Physical health changes related to inadequate nutrition

Bulimia nervosa involves recurring cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours, often accompanied by shame, secrecy, and distress. These patterns may develop as a way of managing difficult emotions, self-criticism, or feelings of being out of control.

Symptoms:

• Episodes of binge eating

• Feeling a loss of control around food

• Compensatory behaviours after eating

• Shame, guilt, or distress after eating

• Preoccupation with body image or weight

• Secrecy around eating patterns

• Mood changes, anxiety, or low self-esteem

Binge eating disorder involves recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control. It is often associated with emotional distress, shame, and difficulty regulating painful feelings through non-food-related coping strategies.

Symptoms:

• Recurring episodes of binge eating

• Feeling unable to stop eating during episodes

• Eating in response to stress, sadness, or anxiety

• Shame, guilt, or embarrassment after eating

• Eating alone or in secrecy

• Distress about eating patterns

• Difficulty regulating emotions

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID, involves avoiding or limiting food intake in ways that affect health, functioning, or daily life. Unlike some other eating disorders, ARFID is not usually driven by body image concerns, but may be connected to sensory sensitivities, fear-based avoidance, or low interest in eating.

Symptoms:

• Avoidance of certain foods or food groups

• Sensitivity to taste, texture, smell, or appearance of food

• Fear of choking, vomiting, or feeling unwell after eating

• Low interest in food or eating

• Difficulty eating in social settings

• Nutritional concerns or limited food variety

• Anxiety around meals

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, or OSFED, refers to eating disorder symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment but do not fit neatly into one specific diagnosis. OSFED can still be serious and may involve patterns seen in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other eating-related difficulties.

Symptoms:

• Distress around eating, food, or body image

• Restrictive eating patterns

• Episodes of binge eating

• Compensatory behaviours

• Preoccupation with weight, shape, or appearance

• Shame or secrecy around eating

• Emotional distress related to food or the body