Eating disorders have many causes. They may be triggered by stressful life events including a loss or trauma, relationship difficulties, physical illness or a life change such as entering one's teens, marriage or pregnancy. An eating disorder may develop in association with another psychological problem such as depressive illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or substance abuse. Some individuals may have a familial predisposition. Acknowledging you have an eating problem is difficult.
Most people deny and hide it from others, experiencing it as a shameful secret.
Disturbances in mood, thinking and behavior are common to all eating disorders and make life difficult and unrewarding. Medical complications are frequent, including osteoporosis, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac and gastrointestinal problems. Importantly, however, early diagnosis and treatment are associated with good outcomes, and even those chronically affected can benefit greatly from treatment. Consultation services, Outpatient Partial Hospitalization and Inpatient care by specialized Johns Hopkins physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians and occupational therapists. After evaluation or treatment, patients return to their referring health care providers.