• Anorexia Nervosa - A life threatening disease with one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition. Approximately 10% of people diagnosed with the condition eventually die of related causes. A recent study found that less than one-half fully recover, one-third improve and 20% remain chronically ill.

• Bulimia Nervosa - Characterized by binging and purging, bulimia is a fatal disease that is much more difficult to recognize. Bulimics may appear to be normal weight or even overweight and keep their habits secret. They may consume up to 20,000 calories in a single episode and then force themselves to vomit.

• Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) - People that exhibit some, but not all characteristics of either anorexia or bulimia, are considered to have EDNOS. It si a serious eating disorder which can have detrimental effects on a person's health.

What is the difference between Anorexia, Bulima and EDNOS?

The distinction between anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) is sometimes difficult to make. There is often considerable overlap between patients diagnosed with these conditions.

Furthermore, seemingly minor changes in a patient's overall behaviour or attitude (such as reported feeling of 'control' over any bingeing behaviour) can change a diagnosis from 'anorexia: binge-eating type' to bulimia nervosa.

It is not unusual for someone with an eating disorder to cycle through various diagnoses as their behavior and beliefs change over time.

Is it Society's Fault?

Feminist writers, Susie Orbach and Naomi Wolf, have criticised the medicalisation of extreme dieting and weight-loss as locating the problem within the affected women, rather than in a society that imposes concepts of unreasonable and unhealthy thinness as a measure of female beauty.

Please Seek Treatment

Any of these diseases can spell long term health consequences. If you or someone you know suffers from an eating disorder, I urge you to get help.

I know it's scary... I've been there. But do yourself, as well as your friends and family a favor, and seek treatment.