Which type of disorders often begin in adolescence and are characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors?

Eating disorders are a specific category of mental health conditions that commonly arise during adolescence and are distinguished by significant disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts and feelings. Adolescence is a critical developmental period when individuals often experience various pressures, including social, emotional, and environmental influences that can contribute to unhealthy patterns of eating.

These disorders can manifest in several forms, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Each type of eating disorder has its own characteristics, but they all involve an unhealthy focus on body weight, shape, and food, which can lead to severe health complications if not addressed.

The other types of disorders listed, such as mental health disorders, may encompass a wide range of issues beyond eating behaviors, including anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Personality disorders typically involve enduring patterns of behavior and inner experience, while substance abuse relates to the harmful use of psychoactive substances. While all these categories can intersect and impact a person's mental and physical health, the specific focus on unhealthy eating behaviors directly aligns with the nature of eating disorders, making them the correct choice in this context.