Eating Disorders

Overview

Mayo Clinic has an extensive history of treating eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, through outpatient and inpatient programs. Psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in eating disorders develop treatment plans personalized to each patient's needs. Mayo's eating disorders program is small, to ensure that patients receive the time and attention necessary to get well.

Mayo's inpatient program emphasizes family-based therapy (FBT). In family-based therapy, patient's parents and family members become an integral part of the treatment team. Patients treated with Mayo's family-based therapy have much higher recovery rates and lower readmission rates than patients treated in standard treatment programs. Learn more about eating disorders treatment.

About Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious conditions that occur when people become overly focused on their weight, body shape, and food, and develop dangerous eating behaviors. The two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

The exact causes of eating disorders are not known. Likely, the causes are complex and may stem from a combination of biological, psychological, family, genetic, environmental and social factors. People who have eating disorders may be perfectionists, have high standards, or low self-esteem. Eating disorders often develop between ages 12 and 25 but can occur at any age. People with eating disorders may deny that they have a problem and seek help only at the insistence of family and friends.

Treatment is more successful, studies have shown, when the disease is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Eating disorders can cause serious physical and mental health problems, including adverse effects on the heart, digestive system, teeth and mouth, plus conditions such as osteoporosis, anemia, and kidney and liver diseases.

Read more about eating disorders at MayoClinic.com.