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Orthorexia nervosa is a relatively newly recognized eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. 

Unlike anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, which focus on the quantity of food or body image, orthorexia revolves around the quality of food consumed. While eating nutritious foods is generally encouraged for good health, people with orthorexia take it to an extreme, often to the detriment of their physical and mental well-being.

Orthorexia nervosa stems from the Greek words "orthos," meaning correct, and "orexis," meaning appetite or desire. Those with orthorexia become fixated on consuming only foods they perceive as pure, clean, or healthy. This fixation can lead to rigid dietary rules, anxiety around food choices, and social isolation.

Symptoms and behaviors

Common symptoms of orthorexia nervosa include spending excessive amounts of time thinking about food, feeling guilty or anxious when deviating from strict dietary rules, and experiencing physical health issues due to restrictive eating habits. Patients may also experience social withdrawal as they avoid situations where they cannot control their food intake.

Psychological factors

Psychological factors contributing to orthorexia nervosa include perfectionism, anxiety, and a desire for control. Those with perfectionistic tendencies may fixate on achieving an ideal diet as a means of demonstrating self-discipline and superiority. 

Additionally, people with anxiety disorders may use food restriction as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress. The desire for control over one's body and health can also drive the development of orthorexia, providing them with a sense of mastery in an uncertain world.

Treatment and recovery

Treatment for orthorexia nervosa often involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical intervention. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients challenge and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Nutritional counseling aims to reintroduce a balanced approach to eating, emphasizing flexibility and moderation rather than rigid dietary rules. In severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary to address any physical health complications resulting from malnutrition or dietary restriction.