What Is Disordered Eating?
At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, we understand how disordered eating can deeply affect someone’s life. This term refers to a spectrum of unhealthy patterns—constant dieting, strict food restrictions, stress-related binges, excessive exercise, or rigid meal schedules. Even if these behaviors don’t meet the definition of a clinical eating disorder, they can still take a toll on your physical health, emotional balance, daily functioning, social interactions, and overall routines.
Disordered eating isn’t tied to someone’s size or appearance; it can happen to anyone, regardless of background or body type. Often, societal pressures, unrealistic beauty standards, past trauma, or underlying mental health concerns like anxiety or depression play a role.
While these practices might begin as well-intentioned efforts at “health,” they frequently spiral into anxiety, obsessive thinking around food, and negative body image. Underneath, they usually point to deeper emotional strain. These habits can start subtly—labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” skipping meals, or feeling guilty after eating—but over time they can become ingrained and potentially dangerous. Left unaddressed, they may develop into full-fledged disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.
Our team at Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness focuses on early detection and treatment of these harmful eating behaviors. We combine compassionate, evidence-based therapy with convenient telehealth appointments, making it simpler to access care that fits your life and bypasses barriers associated with in-person visits.
Diagnosing Disordered Eating
Understanding the difference between disordered eating and a diagnosed eating disorder is essential. A formal diagnosis requires meeting specific criteria in the DSM-5—based on frequency, severity, and impact on daily life—whereas disordered eating can still cause significant distress and dysfunction without those exact markers. At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, our licensed professionals will walk you through this process and help you determine the best level of support.
Types of Eating Disorders
When eating behaviors become more frequent, intense, and disruptive, they may fit the DSM-5 categories for clinical eating disorders. Our specialists at Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness can help you understand these distinctions and guide you toward the appropriate treatment.
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Restrictive Eating: Hitting extreme calorie targets, skipping meals, or cutting out entire food groups
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Restrictive Eating: Counting every calorie obsessively, skipping meals, or banning certain food categories
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Binge Eating: Rapidly consuming large amounts of food and then feeling embarrassed, guilty, or out of control
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Compulsive Eating: Eating when you’re not hungry, often as a response to stress or uncomfortable emotions
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Orthorexia: Obsessing over “clean” or “pure” foods to the point it disrupts daily life and relationships
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Yo-yo dieting: Repeatedly losing weight through restrictive plans only to regain it, affecting both mood and metabolism
Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness addresses a wide range of eating disorders, including:
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Bulimia Nervosa
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Binge Eating Disorder
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
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Rumination Disorder
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Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Warning Signs of Disordered Eating
Recognizing disordered eating in yourself or someone you care about is vital. Watch for these signals:
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Significant weight fluctuations
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Avoiding meals or social eating gatherings
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Intense guilt or shame after eating
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Strict dietary rules or extreme “cleanse” routines
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Physical symptoms like dizziness, chronic fatigue, or hair thinning
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop disordered eating, but certain groups may face higher risk:
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Individuals with anxiety, OCD, or depression
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LGBTQ+ community members
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Athletes engaged in appearance-focused sports
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People with a history of trauma or abuse
Health Consequences
Disordered eating can harm both body and mind. Potential complications include:
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Irregular heartbeat or low blood pressure
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Gastrointestinal issues
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Fatigue and weakened immune system
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Menstrual irregularities or fertility challenges
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Emotional effects such as social withdrawal, guilt, shame, irritability, and increased risk of depression or anxiety
We offer a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment to help you reshape your relationship with food and body image. Our services include one-on-one therapy, family sessions, and online programs designed for warmth and convenience. With credentialed experts serving multiple areas and flexible appointments, support is always within reach. Visit our website to learn more or schedule a confidential consultation.
Addressing disordered eating early often brings noticeable improvements in both physical health and emotional well-being. At Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness, we provide tailored, evidence-supported treatments that foster a healthier relationship with food, enhance self-esteem, and reduce the risk of more severe eating disorders. With our convenient online access and empathetic support, you can begin your healing journey in a safe, judgment-free environment.
Our dedicated psychiatric care team is here to support you
Alice’s Psychiatry & Wellness is here to guide you through the challenges of disordered eating. From your initial evaluation to treatment and every step in between, we’re committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey.