Chapter 20 Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a growing concern in nursing because they affect millions of people. It is estimated that approximately 5 percent of the United States population experiences eating disorders with the highest prevalence seen in women ages twelve to thirty-five (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2023a), though these conditions affect all genders. Eating disorders have high morbidity and mortality rates and are considered serious mental health illnesses (Davis & Attia, 2019). Clients with eating disorders may seek health-care services that require nurses to play an essential role. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) lists the following under the category of feeding and eating disorders: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), pica, and rumination