In their lifetime, an estimated 0.5 percent to 3.7 percent of
females suffer from anorexia and an estimated 1.1 percent to 4.2
percent suffer from bulimia. Between 3 and 5 percent of all
adolescent females have a diagnosable eating disorder. Anorexia
is much more common among females, however, males are less
likely to seek treatment which complicates the disorder. Among
adolescents with eating disorders, many also have obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD). The term eating disorders refers to a
variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating
disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are
serious mental health problems and can be life threatening.
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are
common eating disorders among adolescents and young adults.
Obesity may also be included as an eating disorder and can
affect individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents,
and adults. There are several types of eating disorders that
require the clinical care of a psych