What it means
A group of conditions that includes anorexia nervosa (strict food limits and fear of weight gain), bulimia nervosa (binge eating followed by vomiting, laxatives or over-exercise), binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). They affect all ages, sexes and body sizes, and can cause serious harm to the heart, bones, teeth and electrolytes.
For the nurse
Watch weight, vital signs, electrolytes (especially potassium) and heart rhythm. Treatment teams may supervise meals and bathroom use after meals. Be calm and non-judging, and focus talk on health rather than weight.
At a glance
| Spanish | trastorno de la conducta alimentaria |
|---|---|
| Also written | eating disorders, eating-disorders |
Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
anorexia
A loss of appetite or of the wish to eat; also short for anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder.
obesity
Having much more body fat than is healthy, usually defined in adults as a body mass index of 30 or higher.
mental illness
A health condition that changes a person's thinking, mood or behavior and causes distress or problems in daily life.