Tag: Eating disorder diagnosis

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition affects people in every country and encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition. For medical professionals, determining what is the medical term for not eating properly depends on the underlying causes and specific behaviors, as a variety of serious conditions can disrupt healthy eating habits.

According to a study published in the *Journal of Eating Disorders*, adults with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) experience comparable levels of distress to those with other eating disorders, leading many to question, is picky eating in adults a disorder?. This article clarifies when picky eating crosses the line from a simple preference into a clinical issue requiring professional attention.

According to the DSM-5, night eating syndrome (NES) is a real and classified 'Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder' (OSFED), affecting approximately 1.5% of the general population. This condition is far more complex than simple late-night snacking, involving a distinct pattern of eating combined with sleep disturbances and mood changes.

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Pica requires the persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances for at least one month. The term "pica test" is a misnomer, as there is no single test for this condition; instead, a doctor uses a comprehensive clinical evaluation involving patient history, physical exams, and lab tests to rule out underlying issues. This multi-faceted approach helps to identify the causes and complications of the compulsive eating disorder.