“Eating disorders” is the term used to describe a category of mental illnesses involving disordered eating and weight problems. This category can then generally be separated into four main disorders Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).

Some clinicians argue that separating eating disorders into smaller classifications can, in some cases, hinder treatment when new diagnosis labels are needed. Currently the consensus is that these four disorder classifications will be kept in place, while others may be added in the future.

These are serious and often complex disorders that can have significant and long-lasting impacts on a person’s life. Whilst most consequences of eating disorders can be reversed with effective treatment, there are some problems such as osteoporosis that will stay with a sufferer for the rest of his or her life. In other cases, eating disorders can unfortunately be fatal, with Anorexia Nervosa currently having the highest mortality rate for any psychiatric disorder. We therefore encourage anybody reading this leaflet who may be suffering, or suspect someone they know is suffering, to seek professional help as soon as possible.

This brochure will aim to highlight some of the basics of the eating disorder category, but as this is such a complex area we will only be scratching the surface. We therefore encourage sufferers, or those with an interest in the subject, to seek out further additional materials.