A DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTINUUM OF EATING DISORDERS - IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTION AND RESEARCH

Many authors have proposed the notion of an eating disorder continuum to aid in the understanding of similarities and differences among various types of eating disturbances and disorders. The purpose of this article is to present an eating disorders continuum and to describe groups on the continuum by highlighting differences among the groups on behavioral, cognitive-attitudinal, and self-esteem issues. The relationship of the continuum to the developmental course of eating disorders is discussed Prevention, early intervention, and treatment programs for various groups on the continuum are presented. Recommendations for future research on the continuum of eating disorders are provided.