In the context of Advanced Placement Psychology, this term refers to a category of mental disorders characterized by persistent disturbances of eating or eating-related behavior that result in altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impair physical health or psychosocial functioning. These conditions are not simply about food; they often represent underlying psychological distress. Examples include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, each distinguished by specific patterns of behavior and diagnostic criteria.
Understanding these disorders is crucial in psychology because they represent a significant threat to physical and mental well-being, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Knowledge of the diagnostic features, potential causes (including genetic predispositions, sociocultural influences, and psychological factors), and effective treatment approaches is essential for psychologists. Historically, these disorders have been viewed through various lenses, shifting from purely medical perspectives to biopsychosocial models that acknowledge the interplay of biological, psychological, and social contributors.
