Eating disorders

Poremećaji prehrane su skupina poremećaja koje karakterizira ozbiljno i trajno odstupanje povezano s hranjenjem i tjelesnom težinom. Njihova incidencija je zadnja dva desetljeća u porastu. Uvriježeno je mišljenje da su životni izbor, a ne bolest. Radi toga često ostaju neprepoznati i liječe se kada se bolest u potpunosti razvije. Najučestaliji poremećaji prehrane su anoreksija nervoza, bulimija nervoza i poremećaj prejedanja. Karakterizira ih restrikcija unosa hrane, preskakanje obroka, uporaba laksativa i diuretika, povraćanje te brojna druga kompenzatorna ponašanja. Dovode do brojnih medicinskih komplikacija, najčešće zbog kasnog postavljanja dijagnoze. Liječenje bi trebalo biti individualno te uključivati psihoterapiju te farmakoterapiju ukoliko je potrebna.Eating disorders are a group of disorders characterized by severe and persistent deviations related to eating and body weight. Their incidence has been increasing for the last two decades. It is widely believed that they are a lifestyle choice, not a disease. Because of this, they often go unrecognized and are treated when the disease is fully developed. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. They are characterized by restriction of food intake, skipping meals, use of laxatives and diuretics, vomiting and numerous other compensatory behaviours. They lead to many medical complications, most often due to late diagnosis. Treatment should be individual and include psychotherapy and pharmackotherapy if necessary