A new study suggested that there is a developing mental disorder among people who are obsessed with eating healthy.

Inquisitr reported that orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder diagnosed by psychiatrists, can develop among individuals who always aim to eat lean and healthy. Mental doctors started using the term at around 1997 but it has become more widespread in recent years, especially with the popularity of various diet trends and organic produce. The mental problem, however, is not yet included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM by the American Psychiatric Association.

Some of the symptoms that patients with orthorexia nervosa may present include suffering from panic attacks, having an unhealthy obsession with organic food or extreme diets and anxiety over which foods they should consider safe or unsafe to eat. Similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder, those with orthorexia nervosa may be obsessed with consuming only natural, raw, organic or non-GMO foods. Some may completely eliminate meat, dairy, grains, fruits and gluten from their diet. As a result, they will miss out on various nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals.

There is no clear delineation between individuals who are merely trying to eat as healthy as possible and those who are going to extremes. However, CNN reported that psychiatrists may determine the presence of orthorexia nervosa if the eating obsession already interferes with the quality of people’s lives. Some people may avoid going out with friends or skip meals if it means eating processed foods or other products which are unacceptable to them.

Some may even prefer to starve rather than eat what they deem as unsafe. As a result, these individuals may be compelled to consume drugs and other unhealthy substances when their immune system is compromised and they start developing a number of diseases. Their general practice can actually be counterproductive in the long run.

People should be more aware of the signs that may indicate that they have or are developing orthorexia nervosa. Being too worried about food or constantly labeling food as good or bad are some of the notable signs. They should visit a nutritionist and psychiatrist to immediately address the problem before it gets worse.