Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious psychiatric illnesses characterized by abnormal eating behavior, difficulties regulating body weight, and body image disturbances. Eating disorders are associated with numerous negative health consequences, marking them as a major public health concern. This article provides a concise overview of the classification, epidemiology, correlates, etiology, and treatment of eating disorders across the age spectrum. Although significant progress has been made in the past several decades in understanding these complex disorders, empirical and clinical attention should continue to focus on early identification and treatment, as well as developing novel interventions for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments.