meetara-lab/vectorstore-mental_health huggingface dataset:
A team of health care providers who have experience diagnosing ASD will conduct the diagnostic evaluation. This team may include child neurologists, developmental behavioral pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, child psychologists and psychiatrists, educational specialists, and occupational therapists. 

The diagnostic evaluation is likely to include: ● Medical and neurological examinations ● Assessment of the child’s cognitive abilities ● Assessment of the child’s speech and language abilities ● Observation of the child’s behavior ● An in-depth conversation with the child’s caregivers about the child’s behavior 

and development

 ● Assessment of age-appropriate skills needed to complete daily activities 

independently, such as eating, dressing, and toileting
and development

 ● Assessment of age-appropriate skills needed to complete daily activities 

independently, such as eating, dressing, and toileting

 ● Questions about the child’s family history Because ASD is a complex disorder that sometimes occurs with other conditions or learning disorders, the comprehensive evaluation may include blood tests and a hearing test.

The outcome of this evaluation may result in a formal diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.

Diagnosis in older children and adolescents

Caregivers and teachers are often the first to recognize ASD symptoms in older children and adolescents. The school’s special education team may perform an initial evaluation and then recommend that a child receive additional evaluation from their primary health care provider or a health care provider who specializes in ASD.
A child’s caregivers may talk with these health care providers about the child’s social difficulties, including problems with subtle communication. These subtle communication differences may include problems understanding tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language. Older children and adolescents may have trouble understanding figures of speech, humor, or sarcasm. They also may have challenges forming friendships with peers. 

It is also important for the health care provider to learn about the child’s strengths so they can tailor their recommendations for services and supports. 

Diagnosis in adults

Diagnosing ASD in adults is often more difficult than diagnosing ASD in children. In adults, some ASD symptoms can overlap with symptoms of mental disorders such as an anxiety disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Adults who have questions about whether they may be on the autism spectrum should talk with a health care provider and ask for a referral for an ASD evaluation. Although evaluation for ASD in adults is still being refined, adults can be referred to a neuropsychologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has experience with ASD. The expert will ask about: ● Social interaction and 

 ● Repetitive behaviors ● Restricted interests

communication challenges

 ● Sensory issues

The evaluation may also include a conversation with caregivers and family members to learn about the person’s early developmental history, which can help ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The evaluation may also include a conversation with caregivers and family members to learn about the person’s early developmental history, which can help ensure an accurate diagnosis. 

Obtaining a correct diagnosis of ASD as an adult can help people understand past challenges, identify personal strengths, and find the right kind of help. Studies are underway to determine the types of services and supports that are most helpful for autistic transition-age youth and adults. What treatments and services are available for ASD?

Interventions, services, and supports for ASD are most effective when they begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Receiving appropriate care and services can help address a person’s specific needs and challenges while also helping them learn new skills and build on their strengths.
People with ASD have a wide range of issues and needs, which means there is no single best approach. Working closely with health care and service providers is an important part of finding the right combination of interventions, services, and supports. 

Interventions and Services

People with ASD may be referred to health care and service providers who specialize in various intervention approaches, including behavioral, psychological, educational, occupational, physical, or speech-language therapy. These interventions and services are often highly structured and intensive and may involve caregivers, siblings, and other family members. These programs may help people: ● Learn social, communication, and language skills ● Manage behaviors that interfere with daily functioning and well-being ● Increase or build on strengths ● Learn life skills for living independently ● Find housing, educational supports, and job coaching or training

Medication
Medication

A health care provider may prescribe medication to treat specific symptoms, including: ● Aggression ● Anxiety and depression ● Attention ● Hyperactivity

 ● Irritability ● Repetitive behavior ● Self-injurious behavior

Read the most up-to-date information on medication, side effects, and warnings on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website at www.fda.gov/drugsatfda. Finding services, programs, and resources

Many services, programs, and other resources are available to help people with autism and their families. Here are some tips for finding these additional resources: ● Contact a health care provider, local health department, school, community

center, or autism advocacy group to learn about special programs or local resources.

● Find an autism support group. Sharing information and experiences can help people with autism and their caregivers learn about treatment options and autism-related programs.
● Find an autism support group. Sharing information and experiences can help people with autism and their caregivers learn about treatment options and autism-related programs.

● Keep records of your conversations and meetings with health care providers

and teachers. This information helps when it is time to decide which programs and services are appropriate.

● Keep copies of health care reports and evaluations. This information may help

people with autism qualify for special programs.

Where can I learn more about ASD?

For more information about ASD, visit: ● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

www.cdc.gov/autism

● Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human

Development www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism ● Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

https://iacc.hhs.gov

● National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication- problems-children Clinical trials
https://iacc.hhs.gov

● National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication- problems-children Clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available.

NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials.

For more information
For more information

Learn more at www.nimh.nih.gov/health. For information about various health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov.

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 nimhinfo@nih.gov www.nimh.nih.gov/health www.nimh.nih.gov/espanol 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 25-MH-8084 Revised 2025
What Are Common Types of Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances to one’s eating behaviors. Common types of eating disorders include:

Anorexia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa severely avoid or restrict food intake due to a distorted self-image or an intense fear of gaining weight. 

People with bulimia nervosa regularly binge eat and then engage in unhealthy behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as forced vomiting or the use of laxatives. 

Binge-eating disorder

People with binge-eating disorder regularly lose control of their eating and eat unusually large amounts of food. 

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

People with ARFID limit the amount and variety of food they eat due to their anxiety or fear of the consequences of eating or dislike of a food’s characteristics.
People with ARFID limit the amount and variety of food they eat due to their anxiety or fear of the consequences of eating or dislike of a food’s characteristics. 

People with these types of symptoms may have an eating disorder and should talk to a health care provider. Help is available.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health NIMH Identifier No. OM 24-4322

nimh.nih.gov/eatingdisorders
Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances to one’s eating behaviors. Although many people may be concerned about their health, weight, or appearance from time to time, some people become fixated or obsessed with weight loss, body weight or shape, and controlling their food intake. These may be signs of an eating disorder. 

Eating disorders are not a choice. These disorders can adversely affect a person’s physical and mental health, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening. With treatment, however, people can recover from eating disorders. 

Who is at risk for eating disorders?

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, body weights, and sexes. Even people who appear healthy can have eating disorders and be extremely ill. People with eating disorders can be underweight, average weight, or overweight.
The exact cause of eating disorders is not fully understood. Research suggests a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors can raise a person’s risk. 

What are the common types of eating disorders?

Common types of eating disorders include: ● Anorexia nervosa: People with anorexia nervosa severely avoid or restrict food intake due to a distorted self-image or an intense fear of gaining weight. Even when dangerously underweight, they may see themselves as overweight. Some people with anorexia nervosa may also have binge eating and purging episodes.

● Binge-eating disorder: People with binge-eating disorder regularly lose

control of their eating and eat unusually large amounts of food. People with binge-eating disorder are often overweight or obese.

● Bulimia nervosa: People with bulimia nervosa regularly binge eat and then
● Bulimia nervosa: People with bulimia nervosa regularly binge eat and then

engage in unhealthy behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as forced vomiting or the use of laxatives. People with bulimia nervosa may maintain an average weight or be overweight.

● Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): People with ARFID limit the amount and variety of food they eat due to their anxiety or fear of the consequences of eating (such as choking or vomiting) or dislike of a food’s characteristics (such as its appearance or texture). People with ARFID are frequently underweight.

People exhibiting any combination of these symptoms may have an eating disorder and should talk to a health care provider. What are the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

Signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

 ● Extremely restricted eating ● Intense and excessive exercise ● Extreme thinness (emaciation) ● A relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight
● Extremely restricted eating ● Intense and excessive exercise ● Extreme thinness (emaciation) ● A relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight

 ● Intense fear of gaining weight ● Distorted body image or self-

image

 ● Denial of the seriousness of low 

body weight

Over time, anorexia nervosa can lead to numerous serious health consequences, including:

 ● Thinning of the bones 

(osteopenia or osteoporosis)

 ● Mild anemia ● Muscle wasting and weakness ● Delayed puberty ● Severe constipation ● Low blood pressure ● Slowed breathing and pulse ● Damage to the structure and 

function of the heart ● Feeling tired all the time ● Infertility ● Brain damage ● Multiple organ failure
function of the heart ● Feeling tired all the time ● Infertility ● Brain damage ● Multiple organ failure

Anorexia nervosa can be fatal. It has an extremely high death rate compared with other mental disorders. People with anorexia nervosa are at risk of dying from medical complications associated with starvation. Suicide is a leading cause of death for people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911. What are the signs and symptoms of binge-eating disorder?

Over time, binge eating can lead to serious health consequences, including:

 ● Obesity ● Type 2 diabetes ● Cardiovascular problems ● Sleep problems ● Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea)

Signs and symptoms of binge- eating disorder include:
Signs and symptoms of binge- eating disorder include:

 ● Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short amount of time, for example, within two hours ● Eating rapidly during binge 

episodes

 ● Eating even when full or not 

hungry

 ● Eating until uncomfortably full ● Eating alone or in secret to avoid 

embarrassment

 ● Feeling distressed, ashamed, or 

guilty about eating

 ● Dieting frequently, possibly 

without weight loss What are the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa?

The signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa include the same signs and symptoms as binge eating. They also include the following, which aim to get rid of food after binge eating:

Over time, bulimia nervosa can lead to serious health consequences, including: 

 ● Throwing up ● Taking laxatives ● Exercising excessively ● Fasting

 ● Chronically inflamed and sore 

throat

 ● Swollen salivary glands in the 

neck and jaw area

 ● Worn tooth enamel and
● Throwing up ● Taking laxatives ● Exercising excessively ● Fasting

 ● Chronically inflamed and sore 

throat

 ● Swollen salivary glands in the 

neck and jaw area

 ● Worn tooth enamel and 

increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth

 ● Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems ● Intestinal distress and irritation ● Severe dehydration ● Electrolyte imbalance

What are the signs and symptoms of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder?

Signs and symptoms of ARFID include: 

Over time, ARFID can lead to serious health consequences, including: 

 ● Unhealthy weight loss ● Malnutrition ● Changes to physical growth ● Functional impairments 

associated with academic performance, work, and relationships

 ● Severe restriction of types or 

amount of food eaten

 ● Lack of appetite or interest in 

food 

 ● Dramatic weight loss ● Upset stomach, abdominal pain, or other gastrointestinal issues with no other known cause ● Limited range of preferred
● Lack of appetite or interest in 

food 

 ● Dramatic weight loss ● Upset stomach, abdominal pain, or other gastrointestinal issues with no other known cause ● Limited range of preferred 

foods that becomes even more limited (“picky eating” that gets progressively worse) What mental illnesses can co-occur with eating disorders?

People with eating disorders are at risk for co-occurring mental illnesses, which most often include depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. People with eating disorders are also at a higher risk for suicide. It’s critical to treat any co- occurring conditions as part of the treatment plan. 

How are eating disorders treated?

Eating disorders can be treated successfully. Early detection and treatment are important for recovery. Treatment plans for eating disorders include: ● Individual, group, or family psychotherapy to identify and change troubling
emotions, thoughts, and behaviors about food. For general information about psychotherapies, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/psychotherapies.

 ● Medical care and monitoring to treat the health consequences of an eating 

disorder and monitor overall well-being.

 ● Nutritional counseling to help people eat well and reach and maintain a 

healthy weight.

 ● Medication to treat the symptoms of some eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, and to reduce symptoms of co-occurring anxiety or depression. There are currently no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the symptoms of anorexia nervosa or ARFID. 

Some people with a severe eating disorder may need to be in a hospital or residential treatment program.
Some people with a severe eating disorder may need to be in a hospital or residential treatment program. 

A person’s family can play a crucial role in treatment. They can encourage a family member with eating or body image issues to seek help and can provide support during treatment. Research suggests that family-based treatment can improve eating disorder treatment outcomes, particularly for adolescents. How can I find help?

If you have concerns about your eating behavior or mental health, talk to a primary care provider. They can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker, who can help you figure out the next steps. Find tips for talking with a health care provider about your mental health at www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips.
You can learn more about getting help at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information about finding support at https://findsupport.gov and locating mental health services in your area at https://findtreatment.gov.

What are clinical trials and why are they important?

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. These studies help show whether a treatment is safe and effective in people. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available. 

NIMH supports clinical trials across the United States. Talk to a health care provider about clinical trials and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/clinicaltrials. For more information
Learn more at www.nimh.nih.gov/health. For information about various health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource at https://medlineplus.gov. 

Contact us

National Institute of Mental Health Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications 6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 1-866-615-6464 Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov Website: www.nimh.nih.gov En español: www.nimh.nih.gov/espanol

Reprints

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content at www.nimh.nih.gov/copyright. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 24-MH-4901 Revised 2024

[Table Data]
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health NIH Publication No. 24-MH-4901 Revised 2024

[Table Data]


[Table: table_1_1] | Col0 | Col1 | Col2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Eating Disorders: What You Nee d to Need to Know | | | | | | | | | | |
[Table Data]


[Table: table_1_1] | Col0 | Col1 | Col2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Eating Disorders: What You Nee d to Need to Know | | | | | | | | | | |



[Table: table_3_1] | Signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa include: | Over time, anorexia nervosa can lead to numerous serious health consequences, including: | | --- | --- | | ● Extremely restricted eating ● Intense and excessive exercise ● Extreme thinness (emaciation) ● A relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight ● Intense fear of gaining weight ● Distorted body image or self- image ● Denial of the seriousness of low body weight | ● Thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis) ● Mild anemia ● Muscle wasting and weakness ● Delayed puberty ● Severe constipation ● Low blood pressure ● Slowed breathing and pulse ● Damage to the structure and function of the heart ● Feeling tired all the time ● Infertility ● Brain damage ● Multiple organ failure |
[Table: table_4_1] | Signs and symptoms of binge- eating disorder include: | Over time, binge eating can lead to serious health consequences, including: | | --- | --- | | ● Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short amount of time, for example, within two hours ● Eating rapidly during binge episodes ● Eating even when full or not hungry ● Eating until uncomfortably full ● Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment ● Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating ● Dieting frequently, possibly without weight loss | ● Obesity ● Type 2 diabetes ● Cardiovascular problems ● Sleep problems ● Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea) |
[Table: table_5_1] | The signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa include the same signs and symptoms as binge eating. They also include the following, which aim to get rid of food after binge eating: | Over time, bulimia nervosa can lead to serious health consequences, including: | | --- | --- | | ● Throwing up ● Taking laxatives ● Exercising excessively ● Fasting | ● Chronically inflamed and sore throat ● Swollen salivary glands in the neck and jaw area ● Worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth ● Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems ● Intestinal distress and irritation ● Severe dehydration ● Electrolyte imbalance |
[Table: table_5_2] | Col0 | Col1 | | --- | --- | | Signs and symptoms of ARFID include: | Over time, ARFID can lead to serious health consequences, including: | | ● Severe restriction of types or amount of food eaten ● Lack of appetite or interest in food ● Dramatic weight loss ● Upset stomach, abdominal pain, or other gastrointestinal issues with no other known cause ● Limited range of preferred foods that becomes even more limited (“picky eating” that gets progressively worse) | ● Unhealthy weight loss ● Malnutrition ● Changes to physical growth ● Functional impairments associated with academic performance, work, and relationships |