Eating disorders often occur alongside a spectrum of other psychiatric and developmental disorders. While this can complicate treatment, understanding these relationships is critical to sustainable recovery.

Certain eating disorders occur more often and can lead to a dual diagnosis with certain other psychiatric and developmental disorders. In general, comorbidities include:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar I and II disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cognitive disorders

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs as a result of eating or feeding disturbances such as an apparent lack of interest in food, avoidance due to the sensory qualities of food, and/or concern over adverse consequences of eating food.

These disturbances are not associated with distorted body image or body dissatisfaction, but are associated with significant weight loss or faltering growth/developmental patterns (in children and adolescents); dependence on enteral feeding or oral nutritional supplements; and/or marked interference with psychosocial functioning. ARFID differs from most other eating disorders in that the physiological effects of the food are not the primary concern, in as much as the food itself is the concern for those suffering from the disorder. These disturbances cannot be better explained by a lack of food, cultural practices, or a concurrent medical condition or mental disorder.

Individuals with ARFID may experience extreme emotional dysregulation and anxiety around mealtimes, have a fear of vomiting or choking, and/or undergo thorough testing for chronic abdominal pain with no satisfactory findings.

Like all eating disorders, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder develops over a period of time as a result of a complicated blend of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to and, despite common misconceptions, families, and communities of support are not to blame. In fact, they are often recovery’s strongest ally. Many individuals have genetic predispositions to ARFID that, depending on environmental influences, may or may not be awakened over the course of their lifetime. The mean age of diagnosis is 11 years; however, symptoms may present in infancy or early childhood.

For those suffering from ARFID, early treatment is paramount to a renewed healthy relationship with food and nutrition. Common causes of ARFID include:

• Malnutrition-induced changes in physiological processes and altered hunger and fullness signals
• Experiencing a traumatic event
• Genetic predisposition and societal pressures (e.g., drive for thinness)
• Abnormal brain circuitry and weakened food-related reward pathways
• Temperamental traits
• Anxiety

Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of ARFID can help you champion early intervention and recovery through ARFID treatment near you. Watch for dysregulated emotions around mealtimes, significant weight loss, and a failure to meet nutritional needs and growth trajectories. Associated disorders, or “comorbidities,” include anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and cognitive disorders.

• Weight loss and nutritional deficiencies
• Failure to meet growth trajectories
• Emotional dysregulation and high anxiety around mealtimes
• Chronic abdominal pain lacking an apparent cause
• Fears or phobias around illness, choking, or vomiting
• Neutral or positive body image

ARFID can have extreme medical and physiological consequences that may or may not resolve completely during recovery.

• Cognitive impairment
• Delayed puberty or dysregulation of reproductive hormones
• Impaired brain functioning and signaling
• Weakened food-related reward pathways
• Chronic abdominal pain, fatigue, and headaches

If you or a loved one are struggling with ARFID, don’t wait to reach out for help. The earlier ARFID is treated, the better the outcomes tend to be. ARFID treatment must be holistic and well-informed by the symptoms that accompany the disorder in each case that it arises, and Veritas Collaborative understands the importance of treating you as the unique person you are.

At Veritas Collaborative, we work with you to create an individualized care plan so you or your child get the right treatment at the right time. We offer a full continuum of care, which includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and virtual programs for children, adolescents, and adults. This allows us to provide best-in-class care and support throughout your recovery journey, even as your needs change. Our treatment programs focus on real-life skills, including hands-on nutrition and culinary experiences that you can take with you for lasting recovery. We encourage family involvement and offer family-based therapy and educational support for children and adolescents.

ARFID is defined by an ongoing inability to fulfill proper nutritional and caloric requirements. This stems from issues related to eating or feeding, such as disinterest in food, aversion to certain textures or flavors, or worries about the negative effects of consuming food.

Unlike other types of eating disorders, ARFID doesn’t involve a skewed body image or dissatisfaction with one’s body. However, it can result in notable weight reduction, developmental delays, and social or psychological issues.

The development of ARFID is a gradual process influenced by a mix of genetic, biological, and situational factors. There’s no singular cause, and it’s important to note that family and community support systems are not at fault.

The average age for diagnosis is around 11 years, although symptoms can appear earlier. Contributing factors may include changes induced by malnutrition, exposure to traumatic events, and societal norms.

Emotional instability and heightened anxiety during meal times are typical.

Other warning signs encompass substantial weight loss, failure to achieve expected growth milestones, and unexplained chronic abdominal discomfort.

Untreated ARFID can result in cognitive deficits, delayed onset of puberty, compromised brain activity, and other physiological complications.

Early intervention and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.

Veritas Collaborative offers a range of eating disorder treatment programs focusing on real-life skills and encourages family involvement for comprehensive care.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is characterized by eating disorder symptoms that cause significant distress and impair social or occupational functioning and/or have significant medical consequences, but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Though individuals with OSFED fall outside the definitions of the other major eating disorders, this diagnosis nevertheless indicates that an individual is seriously ill.

Like all eating disorders, OSFED develops over a period of time as a result of a complicated blend of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to and, despite common misconceptions, families and communities of support are not to blame. In fact, they are often recovery’s strongest ally. Many individuals have genetic predispositions to eating disorders that, depending on environmental influences, may or may not be awakened over the course of their lifetime.

• Altered hunger and fullness signals
• Experiencing a traumatic event
• Genetic predisposition and societal pressures (e.g., drive for thinness)
• Abnormal brain circuitry and weakened food-related reward pathways
• Lack of environmental control and persistent, extreme stress, or minority stress

Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of anorexia can help you champion early intervention and improve recovery rates for anorexia nervosa. Things to watch for include body checking, significantly restricting food intake, and/or extreme food rigidity that allows for only small quantities of certain foods. Associated disorders, or “comorbidities,” include obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia.

• People with anorexia often have a distorted perception of their body image and an intense fear of gaining weight.
• Extreme food restriction, obsessive calorie counting, frequent body and weight checking, and excessive or compulsive exercise can all be signs of anorexia.
• Hiding or throwing away food and/or skipping meals is commonly seen in people with anorexia.
• Rigidity or obsessiveness also often accompanies anorexia, as does an intense fear of food or a specific food.
• Cold intolerance, hair loss, and skin and nail discoloration are among the physical symptoms of anorexia.

• Atypical anorexia nervosa: Motivated by a fear of being overweight, an individual may lose a considerable amount of weight and remain at or above normal weight for their age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health. However, all other signs of anorexia nervosa are present.
• Bulimia nervosa (limited duration or low frequency): An individual engages in binge/purge behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa, but less than once a week and/or for less than three months
• Binge eating disorder (low frequency and/or limited duration): An individual binges less often than typically seen in binge eating disorder
• Purging disorder: An individual repeatedly engages in purging behaviors, but not in binging behaviors
• Night eating syndrome: Episodes of binge eating occur at night while an individual is in some stage of sleep

If you or a loved one are struggling with OSFED, don’t wait to reach out for help. The earlier eating disorders are treated, the better the outcomes tend to be.

At Veritas Collaborative, we work with you to create an individualized care plan so you or your child get the right treatment at the right time. We offer a full continuum of care, which includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and virtual programs for children, adolescents, and adults. This allows us to provide best-in-class care and support throughout your recovery journey, even as your needs change. Our treatment programs focus on real-life skills, including hands-on nutrition and culinary experiences that you can take with you for lasting recovery. We encourage family involvement and offer family-based therapy and educational support for children and adolescents.

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes that are accompanied by marked distress, a sense of lack of control, and feelings of self-loathing, disgust, or guilt. These episodes involve eating, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is objectively larger than what most individuals would eat in a similar period of time, under similar circumstances. Binge eating episodes are associated with eating much more rapidly than normal and/or until uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry; and/or eating alone due to embarrassment about the amount one is eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, these binge episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviors.

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Like all eating disorders, binge eating disorder develops over a period of time as a result of a complicated blend of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to and, despite common misconceptions, families and communities of support are not to blame. In fact, they are often recovery’s strongest ally. Many individuals have genetic predispositions to binge eating disorder that, depending on environmental influences, may or may not be awakened over the course of their lifetime. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States and the most prevalent eating disorder among males. The mean age of onset for the disorder is 18 years and the vast majority of individuals who are diagnosed with binge eating disorder also struggle with psychiatric, mood, or anxiety disorders, and/or impulse control and substance use.

• Malnutrition-induced changes in physiological processes and altered hunger and fullness signals
• Experiencing a traumatic event may tip someone into binge eating disorder
• Genetic predisposition and societal pressures (e.g., drive for thinness)
• Lack of environmental control and persistent, extreme stress, or minority stress can lead to binge eating disorder

Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder can help you champion early intervention and recovery through binge eating disorder treatment. Watch for binge eating episodes that are not associated with compensatory behaviors, but are associated with feelings of lack of control or self-loathing and occur, on average, at least once a week for three months. Associated disorders, or “comorbidities,” include major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

• Binge eating episodes that occur one or more times a week
• Marked distress around binge eating episodes
• Avoiding mealtimes and eating alone or in secret can be a sign of binge eating disorder
• Feelings of lack of control, guilt, shame, self-loathing, or disgust around food or eating

Binge eating disorder can have extreme medical and physiological consequences that may or may not resolve completely during recovery.

• Chronic pain including headaches, back, and neck pain
• Binge eating disorder can lead to diabetes and hypertension
• In males: decreased frequency of erections and nocturnal emissions
• In females: polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometrial cancer, and difficulty conceiving

If you or a loved one are struggling with binge eating or compulsive overeating, don’t wait to reach out for help. The earlier binge eating disorder is treated, the better the outcomes tend to be.

At Veritas Collaborative, we work with you to create an individualized care plan so you or your child with binge eating disorder get the right treatment at the right time. We offer a full continuum of care, which includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and virtual programs for children, adolescents, and adults. This allows us to provide best-in-class care and support throughout your recovery journey, even as your needs change. Our treatment programs focus on real-life skills, including hands-on nutrition and culinary experiences that you can take with you for lasting recovery. We encourage family involvement and offer family-based therapy and educational support for children and adolescents.

Key Takeaways

• Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress.
• Binge eating disorder affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and can lead to physical, emotional, and social consequences.
• Binge eating disorder is often accompanied by co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.
• Treatment for binge eating disorder typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and nutrition counseling, and may involve a team of healthcare professionals.
• With appropriate treatment and support, recovery from binge eating disorder is possible, and individuals can learn to develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies.

Updated April 2023

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes and persistent, inappropriate compensatory behaviors with the hope of avoiding weight gain. Binge eating episodes involve eating, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is objectively larger than most individuals would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances. Such episodes of bulimia are accompanied by feelings of self-loathing, disgust, or guilt and a sense of lack of control. Individuals engage in often dangerous compensatory behaviors that may include purging, fasting, compulsive exercise, and/or the use of laxatives or diuretics. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may appear healthy, even though they are very ill. Additionally, their self-concept is unduly influenced by body weight and shape.

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If you or someone you know needs help with bulimia, get started today.

Like all eating disorders, bulimia nervosa develops over a period of time as a result of a complicated blend of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to and, despite common misconceptions, families and communities of support are not to blame. In fact, they are often recovery’s strongest ally. Many individuals have genetic predispositions to bulimia nervosa that, depending on environmental influences, may or may not be awakened over the course of their lifetime. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by bulimia nervosa.

• Malnutrition-induced changes in physiological processes and altered hunger and fullness signals
• Experiencing a traumatic event may tip someone into bulimia
• Genetic predisposition and societal pressures (e.g., drive for thinness)
• Lack of environmental control and persistent, extreme stress, or minority stress can lead to bulimia

Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa can help you champion early intervention and recovery through bulimia nervosa treatment. Watch for elusive behaviors around mealtimes, inflammation around the mouth and knuckles, exercise-routine rigidity, hiding food, and/or immediately going to the bathroom after a meal. Associated disorders, or “comorbidities,” include major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar I and II disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and substance use disorder.

• Inappropriate conflation of body weight and shape with identity can be a sign of someone struggling with bulimia
• Distorted body image and fear of weight gain
• Eating alone or in secret and consistent retreats after meals is often characteristic of bulimia
• Extreme exercise-routine rigidity, refusal to hydrate, and overuse injuries
• Abrasions or scars on knuckles, inflammation around mouth, and burst blood vessels in eyes often accompany bulimia

Bulimia nervosa can have extreme medical and physiological consequences that may or may not resolve completely during recovery.

• Dangerous, potentially lethal electrolyte imbalances
• Bulimia can result in impaired decision-making and impulse control
• Delayed wound healing
• Tooth decay, muscle fatigue, and irregular bowel activity
• Heart palpitations, low pulse, and low blood pressure may be consequences of bulimia
• In males: decreased frequency of erections and nocturnal emissions
• In females: polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometrial cancer, amenorrhea, difficulty conceiving, and if pregnant, increased risk for miscarriage and postpartum depression

If you or a loved one are struggling with binge eating and purging, don’t wait to reach out for help. The earlier bulimia is treated, the better the outcomes tend to be.

At Veritas Collaborative, we work with you to create an individualized care plan so you or your child with bulimia get the right treatment at the right time. We offer a full continuum of care, which includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and virtual programs for children, adolescents, and adults. This allows us to provide best-in-class care and support throughout your recovery journey, even as your needs change. Our treatment programs focus on real-life skills, including hands-on nutrition and culinary experiences that you can take with you for lasting recovery. We encourage family involvement and offer family-based therapy and educational support for children and adolescents.

Key Takeaways

• Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.
• The exact causes of bulimia nervosa are unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
• Bulimia nervosa can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, depression, and anxiety.
• Treatment for bulimia nervosa typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling.
• Recovery from bulimia nervosa is possible with appropriate help at an eating disorder treatment center, and it is important to seek help as soon as possible if you or someone you know is struggling with this disorder.

Updated March 2023

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an inability to eat enough food to maintain weight and/or growth trajectories; exceptionally low body weight; an obsessive concern with weight gain; and a distorted body image. Anorexia nervosa has two subtypes and can involve both severe restriction of food intake and binge/purge behaviors. The median age of onset is 12 years old and falling; the disorder has been diagnosed in individuals as young as five. Anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening, with mortality often associated with cardiac complications and suicide.

Table of Contents

Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa develops over a period of time as a result of a complicated blend of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to, and despite common misconceptions, families, and communities of support are not to blame. In fact, they are often recovery’s strongest ally. Many individuals have genetic predispositions to anorexia nervosa that may or may not be awakened by environmental influences over the course of their life.

• Biological factors such as genetics, altered brain circuitry, and weakened food-related pathways can all contribute to the development of anorexia. Malnutrition can also induce changes in physiological processes that regulate hunger and fullness signals.
• Environmental factors including cultural pressures to conform to appearance standards, weight-based comments and teasing, and media messages can result in an increased risk of anorexia in those susceptible.
• Psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, stressors, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and trauma are among the contributing factors that could tip a vulnerable population group into developing anorexia.

Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of anorexia can help you champion early intervention and improve recovery rates for anorexia nervosa. Things to watch for include body checking, significantly restricting food intake, and/or extreme food rigidity that allows for only small quantities of certain foods. Associated disorders, or “comorbidities,” include obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia.

• People with anorexia often have a distorted perception of their body image and an intense fear of gaining weight.
• Extreme food restriction, obsessive calorie counting, frequent body and weight checking, and excessive or compulsive exercise can all be signs of anorexia.
• Hiding or throwing away food and/or skipping meals is commonly seen in people with anorexia.
• Rigidity or obsessiveness also often accompanies anorexia, as does an intense fear of food or a specific food.
• Cold intolerance, hair loss, and skin and nail discoloration are among the physical symptoms of anorexia.

Explore our eating disorder treatment centers. 

Anorexia nervosa can have extreme medical and physiological consequences that may or may not resolve completely during recovery.

• Anorexia can lead to serious health risks such as electrolyte imbalances, congestive heart failure, and sudden death, as well as gastrointestinal issues like constipation, bloating, and gastroparesis.
• Osteoporosis, easy bruising, and the growth of fine white hair all over the body (lanugo) are commonly associated with anorexia.
• Anorexia can impair a person’s decision-making abilities and impulse control.
• Anorexia can also impact a person’s sexual health and result in decreased frequency of erections and nocturnal emissions, as well as amenorrhea, difficulty conceiving, and increased risk for miscarriage, low birth weight, and postpartum depression.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anorexia, don’t wait to reach out for help. The earlier anorexia is treated, the better the outcomes tend to be.

At Veritas Collaborative, we work with you to create an individualized care plan so you or your child with anorexia get the right treatment at the right time. We offer a full continuum of care, which includes inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient, and virtual programs for children, adolescents, and adults of all genders. This allows us to provide best-in-class care and support throughout your recovery journey, even as your needs change. Our treatment programs focus on real-life skills, including hands-on nutrition and culinary experiences that you can take with you for lasting recovery. We encourage family involvement and offer family-based therapy and educational support for children and adolescents.

Key Takeaways

• Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that can have life-threatening consequences if not treated promptly and effectively.
• The physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa can include extreme weight loss, malnutrition, and organ damage.
• Anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
• Effective treatment for anorexia nervosa involves a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the illness.
• Early intervention is crucial for successful recovery from anorexia nervosa, and family and social support can play a critical role in the recovery process.

Updated March 2023

Eating disorders are not a choice. Despite common misconceptions, eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, body shape or weight, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. They are complex, psychiatric illnesses stemming from a variety of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There is no single cause to point to or to blame. Eating disorders impact over 30 million persons in the United States alone.

An eating disorder diagnosis is a mental and physical health crisis that disrupts personal, family, and community functioning for individuals as young as six years old. Many individuals will suffer for years or tens of years before seeking treatment—and even then may seek help only for the medical consequences, which not all providers will accurately attribute to an eating disorder. As such, eating disorders are often misdiagnosed. Early detection and intervention are critical components of a complete recovery. Unfortunately, culturally sanctioned misconceptions about food, weight, and diets, combined with the stigma associated with seeking treatment for any mental health disorder, often delay diagnosis and impede access to care. Eating disorders can be life-threatening, but they don’t have to be. Help us change the conversation around eating disorders and champion honest discussion, compassion, and early intervention.

Discover our eating disorder treatment centers.