Disordered eating and eating disorders are often confused, but it’s important to understand their differences. While both involve problematic relationships with food, eating behaviors, and body image, they differ in severity, duration, and clinical diagnosis.
What Is Disordered Eating?
Disordered eating refers to a range of irregular eating behaviors that may not meet the criteria for an official eating disorder diagnosis. These behaviors often include:
- Frequent dieting or food restriction
- Skipping meals or fasting
- Eliminating specific foods or entire food groups
- Binge eating
- Using laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills
- Excessive exercising to “compensate” for eating
While these patterns can be harmful, they don’t always meet the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are clinically recognized mental health conditions involving severe and persistent disturbances in eating behavior and psychological functioning. Common types include:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN)
- Bulimia nervosa (BN)
- Binge eating disorder (BED)
- Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
- Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)
These disorders often come with physical health complications, emotional distress, and social impairment.
Key Differences Between Disordered Eating & Eating Disorders
- Diagnosis: Eating disorders meet strict DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria; disordered eating does not.
- Severity: Disordered eating behaviors may be harmful but are generally less intense or consistent than eating disorders.
- Functional Impact: Both can cause distress, but eating disorders often lead to serious medical, occupational, and emotional consequences.
4 Common Causes of Disordered Eating
1. Biological Factors
There may be a genetic or biological predisposition to disordered eating. Factors include:
- Genetic vulnerability
- Hormonal imbalances
- Brain chemistry, such as serotonin dysregulation
2. Psychological Factors
Common psychological contributors include:
- Low self-esteem and poor body image
- Perfectionism
- Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
- Co-occurring conditions like OCD or PTSD
3. Sociocultural Influences
Media, advertising, and diet culture promote unrealistic body ideals. Constant exposure to these messages can lead to body dissatisfaction, compulsive dieting, and disordered eating behaviors. The “War on Obesity” and fat-shaming also contribute to the normalization of harmful habits.
4. Environmental Factors
Traumatic experiences—such as abuse, bullying, divorce, or loss—can trigger disordered eating. Some individuals may attempt to regain control or soothe emotional pain through controlling their eating patterns.
Treatment for Disordered Eating
While not all disordered eating leads to a diagnosable eating disorder, it is a significant risk factor. Early intervention is key. Seeking professional help can prevent symptoms from escalating into more severe mental or physical health issues.
At Genesis Therapy Group, we offer compassionate, expert online counseling services for individuals struggling with disordered eating and related challenges. Whether you are self-pay or have AETNA insurance, our licensed therapists are here to help you reclaim a healthy relationship with food, body, and self.
Contact Genesis Therapy Group
If you or a loved one is struggling with disordered eating, don’t wait. Reach out today for a confidential consultation with a licensed Long Island therapist. Our virtual counseling sessions are convenient, accessible, and tailored to your unique needs.