Here are the big diagnoses from the chapter, with quick, flashcard-length descriptions:
PICA. Defined by persistent eating of nonnutritive, nonfood substances over a period of at least one month. (Think, "Easts dirt.")
RUMINATION DISORDER. Characterized by repeated regurgitation of food over a period of at least one month. Simple enough.
AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDER. This is an eating or feeding disturbance as manifested by persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs. Leads to weight loss, nutritional deficiency, dependence on enteral feeding or supplements. (In sum, "Won't eat.")
ANOREXIA NERVOSA. Restriction of food intake resulting in a significantly low body weight. Involves fear of gaining weight and disturbance in the way in which one's body is experienced. Specifiers: Restricting type and binge-eating/purging type.
BULIMIA NERVOSA. Recurrent episodes of binge eating which includes a sensed lack of control, inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting). Behaviors occur, on average, at least once a week for three months.
BINGE-EATING DISORDER. Recurrent binge eating episodes. Three of these must be present: Eating quickly, eating till uncomfortably full, eating when not hungry, eating alone due to shame, feeling disgusted with one's self.
There's overlap between these, right? Especially worth giving an extra look, the distinction between anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type and bulimia nervosa. What's the difference? Do you know?
The essential difference is weight loss. Without significantly low weight and worry about weight, you can't diagnose anorexia. Simple as that.
You've now reviewed yet another chapter of the DSM. Congratulations on this tiny step and congratulations in advance for the big step ahead--passing the social work licensing exam!