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TCA

Definition of TCA

This abbreviation refers to eating disorders (ED), which can be recognized by a persistent pattern of unhealthy eating or engaging in unhealthy dieting behaviors.

These patterns of eating behavior are associated with emotional, physical, and social distress. EDs do not discriminate based on gender, age, or race. They can be found in both genders, at any age, and can occur in any race or ethnic group.

SYNONYMS FOR TCA

  1. • Eating Disorder
  2. • Mental Disorder
  3. • Patterns of behavior

ORIGIN OF TCA

EDs are multifactorial disorders where genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors are involved. They mostly affect the female population, adolescents, and young adults.

In other words, the origin of eating disorders is very complex and never responds to a single cause. In the biological aspect, research has mainly focused on genetic factors and associated neurobiological alterations.

The most well-known eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but there are also others, such as binge eating disorder. They are serious illnesses, but can be cured with treatments led by teams of doctors and psychologists specialized in eating disorders.

CURIOSITIES OF TCA

This is a very serious and complex mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. In Spain, it is estimated to affect 400,000 people, and of those, 300,000 are between the ages of 12 and 24.

An ED is not a problem with food, it is a problem that is reflected in food.

In terms of percentage, 10% of the illness is visible: the behavior and symptoms.
While 90% is hidden, that is, the emotions and insecurities that originate the illness: fear, guilt, helplessness, self-criticism, loneliness, frustration, panic of rejection, sadness, anxiety.