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Eating Disorders

The American Psychiatry Association defines eating disorders as “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions”.

Eating disorders can be very serious, sometimes fatal. The disorders are often associated with preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, restrictive eating, binge eating, purging by vomiting, or compulsive exercising, affecting 5% of the American population and impairing them physically, psychologically, and socially.

The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

A sprinkled donut wrapped in a yellow measuring tape, symbolizing the relationship between food, dieting, and eating disorders.
Types of Eating Disorders
1
Anorexia nervosa
Viewing self as overweight even when underweight
2
Bulimia nervosa
Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific period of time.
3
Binge eating disorder
Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time.
4
Pica
Eating things not considered food and craving them.
5
Rumination disorder
Regurgitating food that has been previously chewed and swallowed.
6
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Disturbed eating due to lack of interest in eating or distaste for it.

Common Symptoms?

Anorexia Nervosa
- Extremely restricted eating
- Emaciation
- Relentless pursuit of thinness
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Distorted body image
- Thinning of the bones
- Mild anemia
- Brittle hair and nails, and dry skin
- Growth of fine hair all over the body
- Severe constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed breathing and pulse
- Multiorgan damage or failure
- Lethargy and sluggishness
- Infertility
Bulimia Nervosa
- Inflamed and sore throat
- Swollen salivary glands
- Sensitive and decaying teeth
- Acid reflux disorder
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Intestinal distress and irritation
- Severe dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Binge Eating
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time
- Eating even when full or not hungry
- Eating fast during binge episodes
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating alone or in secret.
- Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty.
- Frequently dieting
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake
- Sudden refusal to eat foods
- Fear of choking or vomiting
- No appetite for no known reason
- Very slow eating
- Difficulty eating meals with family or friends
BALANCING PROCESSES

Treatment

People with eating disorders are at higher risk for suicide and medical complications. People with eating disorders can often have other mental disorders (such as depression or anxiety) or problems with substance use. Complete recovery is possible. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and may include one or more of the following: Individual, group, and/or family psychotherapy, medical care and monitoring, nutritional counseling, and medication.
Psychotherapy
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Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients unhelpful, maladaptive thinking patterns the need for change.
Family-Based Treatment
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FBT for adolescents uses therapeutic methods to empower parents to use their love to help their child.
Group Therapy
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Group conversations allow participants to gain insight on their eating disorders and can bring about changes their thoughts and emotions.
Medication
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Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers may also be helpful for treating eating disorders.
Availability
M – F from 9:00am to 7:30pm
Cost
$120 (out-of-pocket) cost per session
Duration
It varies from person to person.