A normal person eats according to its hunger and stops eating when he feels the signal of satisfaction. A normal person cannot eat more than his capacity but on the other side an eating disorder is when a person overeats or refuses to eat in order to satisfy a psychic need and not a physical need. The person doesn't listen to bodily signals or perhaps is not even aware of them.

There are mainly three kinds of eating disorders that are classified as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. Anorexia is associated with a distorted body image; thinking you are fat even though you are underweight. Serious health consequences can result from literal starvation. Bulimia is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging. Binge eating disorder refers to a pattern of consumption of large amounts of food, even when a person is not hungry.

These disorders are now affecting people (both male and female) of all races and socioeconomic groups. Such victims need help and support from professionals and family. If left untreated, these eating disorders cause many physical and emotional problems.

The main symptoms of anorexia are unusual eating habits or refusal to eat normally; excessive weight loss, extreme physical activity; hair, nail or skin problems, depression and low self-esteem, denial of the problem. The symptoms of Bulimia are abuse of laxatives or diuretics, secretive behavior regarding eating habits, weight fluctuations, depression and denial of the problem.

The common circumstances that contribute to the development of eating disorders include: family problems or a troubled home life, major life changes, social problems, trauma. The other psychological factors include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and anger. The interpersonal factors include troubled family and personal relationship, difficulty in expressing emotions and feelings.

The treatment for such disorders is very necessary and it consists of a number of components, which include comprehensive assessment, psychiatric evaluation, coordinated care plan, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and medication.