Abstract

MENDEZ, Juan Pablo; VAZQUEZ-VELAZQUEZ, Verónica  and  GARCIA-GARCIA, Eduardo. Eating disorders. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2008, vol.65, n.6, pp.579-592. ISSN 1665-1146.

Eating disorders are characterized by severe distortions of food intake in people who have altered eating patterns, secondary to psychological derangement. This group of diseases involve several entities which vary greatly and are classified as: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, "eating disorder not otherwise specified" and binge eating disorder. All of them are more common in women and generally begin during adolescence, becoming chronic diseases. The precise etiology has not been elucidated but different theories have been proposed to explain it. The main problem regarding eating disorders, thus, these patients are managed in interdisciplinary groups offering: psychotherapy, support strategies during the psychotherapeutic process and a psycho-educational program. The whole process takes from months to several years. Professional staff includes psychologists, psychiatrists, internists, endocrinologists and nutritionists. Clinical observations have led to believe that there is an overlap between anorexia nervosa and obesity. In some individuals, weight and eating behaviors may change. Some teenagers who had obesity develop severe purgative patterns in order to lose weight, presenting a clinical picture resembling bulimia. These observations are not intended to ignore the enormous physiopathogenic and clinical differences that existing in different eating disorders. This description seeks to promote a more dynamic perception of these phenomena. A more flexible and dynamic view is useful to understand and treat these disorders.

Keywords : Eating disorders; adolescence.