Guide
Guide | Reference

36  Predominant Eating and Feeding Prototypes

36.1 Summary

  • Prototypes dominated by eating regulation problems, body image concerns, or avoidant feeding patterns.

36.2 Included Prototypes (Guide exemplars)

  • Anorexia Pattern Prototype (exemplar).
  • Binge-Eating Pattern Prototype (exemplar).
  • Full catalog appears in the Clean Reference.

36.3 How to Use This Cluster

  • Start with the Atlas entry for eating, appetite, and body image.
  • Rate the Eating and Feeding Regulation domain.
  • Apply a prototype label only when it improves communication or documentation.

36.4 Boundary Markers

  • What it is: persistent dysregulation of intake or body image with impairment.
  • What it is not: short-term diet changes without functional impact.

36.5 Common Overlap

  • Mood and drive dysregulation.
  • Compulsivity and perseveration.

36.6 Anorexia Pattern Prototype (Exemplar)

36.6.1 Summary

  • A pattern of restrictive eating with weight/shape concern and significant nutritional or functional risk.

36.6.2 Prototype Features

  • Persistent restriction of intake.
  • Fear of weight gain or distorted body image.
  • Weight loss or medical compromise.

36.6.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when restriction is sustained and associated with medical or functional risk.

36.6.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Eating and Feeding Regulation: moderate to high.
  • Compulsivity and Perseveration: variable.

36.6.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Chronic with episodic worsening.

36.6.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Medical causes of weight loss.
  • Food insecurity or limited access.
  • Anxiety-driven appetite suppression.

36.6.7 Specifiers

Specifiers: course + contributors + risk, as relevant; see Reference for full.

36.7 Binge-Eating Pattern Prototype (Exemplar)

36.7.1 Summary

  • A pattern of recurrent binge episodes with loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors.

36.7.2 Prototype Features

  • Binge episodes with distress or loss of control.
  • Eating faster, larger amounts, or beyond comfort.
  • Guilt, shame, or distress after episodes.

36.7.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when binge episodes are recurrent and impairing.

36.7.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Eating and Feeding Regulation: moderate to high.
  • Mood and Drive Dysregulation: variable.

36.7.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Episodic with stress-linked spikes.

36.7.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Medication or substance effects on appetite.
  • Medical conditions affecting appetite.
  • Bulimia pattern with compensatory behaviors.

36.7.7 Specifiers

Specifiers: course + contributors + risk, as relevant; see Reference for full.