This material is for informational purposes only and is not a diagnostic tool.
Trigger warning: discusses eating disorders.
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Eating disorders belong to the category of mental disorders with a significant biological basis.
They are characterized by severe and persistent disruptions in individuals’ behavior around food, often linked to negative thoughts and emotions.
They have serious impacts on both physical and mental health.
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In most cases, a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors contribute, such as:
*The patient constantly fixates on a perceived flaw in their appearance, to the point that it interferes with their daily activities.
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From 2013 to 2018, it was estimated that, on average, 7.8% of the global population would experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.
Research shows that women are more commonly affected. This stereotype has led research to focus mainly on women, making it difficult to find male participants. However, eating disorders do not have a gender.
In Greece, there are no available epidemiological data.
Below are the most commonly observed eating disorders.
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Patients with anorexia nervosa severely restrict their calorie intake, leading to nutrient deficiencies and often—though not always—a very low body weight.
Their mental health is affected by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
The disorder can result in serious health issues (e.g., brain atrophy) and has the second-highest mortality rate of any mental disorder (after opioid addiction).
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Individuals with bulimia nervosa exhibit a two-stage eating pattern:
They experience intense thoughts about food and weight, which negatively impact their mental health. One of the most common physical health issues is tooth damage caused by stomach acid from frequent vomiting.
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Individuals with binge eating disorder consume large amounts of food in a short period (1-2 hours) and feel unable to stop, followed by feelings of shame, sadness, and guilt.
This behavior occurs at least once a week for several months and negatively affects both mental and physical health, increasing the risk of obesity.
Fyi: It is the most common eating disorder worldwide.
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Pica: Strong urge to consume non-edible substances (e.g., dirt, metal, hair, glass).
Rumination Disorder: Undigested food returns to the mouth after swallowing, then is either re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Limiting the amount or type of food consumed for reasons not related to weight loss efforts.
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Each eating disorder and each patient has unique characteristics, meaning there is no universal treatment.
Treatment and recovery are managed by psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, and other medical professionals, depending on the severity of the case, such as when hospitalization is needed.
As part of the treatment, it is recommended to involve the family, as its members also need support
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Currently, Greece has 12 specialized beds for the treatment of eating disorders in public hospitals: 6 at Attikon, 3 at Aiginiteio, and 3 at Sismanogleio (for adolescents).
Experts say the country needs 60 beds.
As a result, both public and private facilities currently have long waiting lists.
