Söömishäire

Söömishäire is the Estonian term for an eating disorder. Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions that affect a person's relationship with food, body image, and weight. They are not simply lifestyle choices or phases, but rather involve significant psychological distress and can have severe physical consequences.

There are several types of eating disorders, each with distinct characteristics. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake, leading to significantly low body weight. Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (self-induced vomiting), excessive exercise, or fasting to prevent weight gain. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control, but without regular compensatory behaviors. Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) encompass conditions that cause significant distress or impairment but do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

The causes of eating disorders are multifaceted, often involving a combination of genetic predisposition, psychological factors (such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, or trauma), and social and cultural influences that emphasize thinness. Early intervention and professional treatment are crucial for recovery. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medication, aimed at addressing the underlying psychological issues, restoring healthy eating patterns, and improving physical and mental well-being.