Söömishäiretega

Söömishäiretega, a term in Estonian, refers to individuals experiencing eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by persistent and abnormal eating behaviors that negatively impact a person's health, emotions, and ability to function in important areas of life. These disorders are not simply about food or weight; they are complex conditions with psychological, biological, and social components.

Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake. Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (vomiting or laxative use), excessive exercise, or fasting. Binge eating disorder is defined by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food rapidly, often feeling a loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors.

The causes of eating disorders are multifactorial and can include genetic predisposition, psychological factors like low self-esteem or perfectionism, and societal pressures related to body image. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, often including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring. Early intervention is crucial for a better prognosis.