What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy and abnormal eating habits, often driven by an obsession with food, body weight, or shape. They can affect anyone but are most common among adolescents and young women. The main types of eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image that leads to restricted eating and excessive weight loss. People with anorexia see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, using laxatives, excessive exercise) to prevent weight gain. Individuals with bulimia often feel a lack of control during binge eating episodes and experience guilt or shame afterward.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Defined by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without subsequent purging. This leads to feelings of loss of control and distress about binge eating.
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): Encompasses eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder but still involve significant distress and impairment.

When should I schedule an Eating Disorders screening?

You should schedule an eating disorders screening if you or someone you know exhibits symptoms such as:

• Preoccupation with weight, food, dieting, and body image.
• Significant changes in eating habits, including restriction, binge eating, or purging behaviors.
• Extreme weight loss or fluctuations in weight.
• Avoidance of social situations involving food.
• Excessive exercise, even when injured or ill.
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress related to eating habits.
• Physical symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, hair loss, or menstrual irregularities.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing eating disorders and preventing long-term health complications.

How are Eating Disorders treated?

Eating disorders are often treated with a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual’s needs. These treatments include:

• Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Engaging in therapy sessions with a mental health professional can help you understand and manage your eating disorder. Types of therapy include:
  
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Nutritional Counseling: Working with a registered dietitian can help you develop healthy eating patterns and address nutritional deficiencies.
• Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor physical health, including weight, vital signs, and any medical complications resulting from the eating disorder.
• Medication: In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or antianxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage underlying mental health conditions.
• Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and shared experiences, helping you feel less isolated.

Our practice offers comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans to help manage eating disorders effectively. Call to schedule an eating disorders screening or book an appointment online today.