What is Classified as an Eating Disorder?
Disordered eating is classified if there is a disturbance of healthy eating patterns. This may include all or any of the following: restrictive eating, compulsive eating, skipping meals, avoiding certain food groups or foods they once loved, preoccupation with weight, and/or body image.
How is an Eating Disorder Diagnosed?
Eating disorders in Canada must be diagnosed by a nurse practitioner, physician, or psychologist. An individual must fit within the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Increasing Rates of Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders Since COVID-19
There has been a 63% increase in paediatric hospital eating disorder related admissions compared to pre-pandemic. Researchers believe this is due to a change in routine, restrictions, increased time on social media and video platforms, and less in person socialization.
Recovery
It is important to have work with a team to help with recovery. This team typically includes: a family physician/paediatrician, registered dietitian, and psychologist. There may also be other health professionals such as social work, psychiatrist and child life specialist.
**Please note, our team of Registered Dietitians are trained to support those with Eating Disorders but we do require that you also work with a Registered Psychologist while seeking nutrition support. We believe that the two go hand in hand and will offer you well rounded support.
Types of Eating Disorders
| Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa is characterized by behaviours that interfere with maintaining an adequate weight. There are many factors that may increase your risk of Anorexia Nervosa including, biological, social, genetic and psychological factors. | Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia nervosa disorder is characterized by periods of food restriction followed by binge eating, with recurrent compensating behaviours to “purge” the body of the food. |
| Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, (ARFID). Individuals with ARFID have very limited intake and/or types of food they consume. ARFID can be due to a fear around the food but does not include a fear around body image. | Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, (ARFID). Individuals with ARFID have very limited intake and/or types of food they consume. ARFID can be due to a fear around the food but does not include a fear around body image. |