Someone suffering from an eating disorder has an unhealthy relationship with food that is interfering with many areas of everyday life. A person may eat little to no food, eat excessively large amounts of food, be obsessed with thoughts of food or exercise, and have a distorted body image. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-V) recognizes four main eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). The signs of an eating disorder will vary and may include refusal to eat, excessive exercise, social withdrawal, self-induced vomiting or binge eating.
Symptoms of an eating disorder can quickly become life-threatening. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sufferers of anorexia are 18 times more likely to die prematurely, so getting treatment for an eating disorder is extremely important. If you are, or someone you love is, starting to show signs of an eating disorder, call today. We are available 24/7 to help you find treatment options that will fit your needs.
As with many mental disorders, no single cause exists for eating disorders. Generally, the cause can be a combination of many factors, which may include:
No simple cure exists for eating disorders, but treatment is available, and recovery is possible. Through a combination of therapy, nutritional education and medical treatment, the symptoms of an eating disorder can be managed or eliminated. Unfortunately, only one in 10 people with an eating disorder receives treatment, but true recovery is possible. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase your chances of recovery, so if you or someone you love is battling an eating disorder, call to explore available treatment options.
Treatment for an eating disorder will depend on the specifics of the disorder and will be tailored to each individual. Generally, the goals of eating disorder treatment are to restore the person to a healthy weight, treat any psychological problems related to or coexisting with the disorder, and reduce behaviors or thoughts that contribute to the eating disorder. Treatment must address all aspects of the disorder, including psychological and medical components. Continuing therapy may be needed to prevent relapse and treat related psychological problems.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often a component of eating disorder treatment. This type of therapy is very structured and often takes 10 to 20 sessions. It may be done individually, in a group or with family. Cognitive behavioral therapy is goal-oriented and focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns, leading to changes in behavior. CBT is considered the treatment of choice for eating disorders and is frequently combined with other treatment options.
Nutritional counseling is an essential component of eating disorder treatment. An eating disorder distorts the sufferer’s perceptions of a healthy diet, and nutritional counselors will help you form an eating plan that will allow you to maintain a healthy weight. Dietitians can help to instill normal eating habits. Underweight or overweight patients may benefit from a medically supervised diet to return them to a healthy weight. Nutritional counseling is an important part of recovery and long-term success.
Psychotherapy can help sufferers to explore the causes and thought processes behind their eating disorder, as well as to assist on the road to recovery. Psychotherapy may also help improve relationships and teach ways to cope with stress and problem-solving techniques. Psychotherapy is important in treating any other existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety, that may be contributing to the eating disorder. Up to 50 percent of people suffering from eating disorders also meet the criteria for depression, so treating any coexisting mental conditions may make the difference in successful treatment.