Mind, Body and Behavior of Eating Disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders include “mental,” “physical,” and “behavioral” components in their diagnostic criteria, and their pathology changes in a psychosomatic correlation from onset to recovery. The pathology of the “mind,” such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, and emotional intolerance, is recognized across subtypes. Low body weight caused by anorexia often results in “physical” symptoms, such as lethargy, edema, hormonal abnormalities, and metabolic disorders, which can be life-threatening. Binge eating/purging and laxative abuse can lead to physical complications, such as reflux esophagitis and electrolyte abnormalities, which if prolonged, can lead to chronic renal dysfunction. These “mental” and “physical” symptoms greatly influence the “behavior” of the patient. Low self-esteem, abnormal eating behavior, and interpersonal irritability can lead to the avoidance of welfare services for social reintegration. In treatment, it is necessary to comprehend the level of the condition from each of these aspects of “mind,” “body,” and “behavior” and to provide comprehensive intervention.