Helen B. Murray, MS

Eating disorder symptoms motivated by concerns about body shape/weight can be present in or develop in gastroenterology patients, often contributing to maintenance of gastrointestinal symptoms. Importantly, eating disorder symptoms lie along a spectrum—there are many individuals who do not meet full-threshold criteria for a “classic” eating disorder— anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder — yet have symptoms that could interact with their gastrointestinal presentation. To facilitate evaluation and treatment of patients with eating disorder symptoms, it can be helpful to understand that symptoms generally fall into two categories: thoughts and behaviors.

There is increasing recognition in the gastroenterology field that a number of patients can have eating disorder symptoms that interact with their presenting gastrointestinal complaints. Historically, many practitioners have been aware to screen for “traditional” eating disorders, primarily bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. However, a relatively new eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), is less known and is likely going untreated in many practice settings.