Treatment Guide For Eating Disorders

What Is An Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are primarily psychological issues wherein an individual develops a dysfunctional relationship with food. They either tend to overeat or undereat. Some even develop a habit of starving themselves or vomiting after they eat due to issues with body image.

In any case, these unhealthy eating habits can result in further complications.

How Common Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are very common, particularly in the western world. However, in recent times, the number of eating disorders has spiked in almost every country, especially ones where men and women are criticized for their looks or often bullied.

Types Of Eating Disorders

There are three distinct types of eating disorders:

1. Binge-eating –

It occurs when a person eats a large quantity of food in a short duration due to loss of control of their appetite.

2. Anorexia –

It is a nervous disorder wherein an individual is highly focused on maintaining a certain body image, so they avoid eating healthy amounts of food. They may even starve themselves.

3. Bulimia –

It is another nervous disorder in which a person gorges on food for a short duration or thinks that they overate. Either way, they start feeling guilty soon, and try to expel the food by either vomiting or consuming powerful laxatives, or even with a rigorous exercising regimen to burn every last calorie.

Who Is At Risk For Eating Disorders?

Anyone and everyone are at risk of developing an eating disorder, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or upbringing. People suffering from psychological stress, physical capacitance, or dysfunctional body image issues are most likely to fall prey to one or more eating disorders.

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Underlying factors such as:

● Health issues

● Psychological distress

● History of eating disorders or dieting in the family

● Diabetes

● Body image issues

● Changing environments

Symptoms Of Eating Disorders

People's appearances may not be signs of eating disorders. However, the following symptoms may be indications:

● Frequent fatigue and dizziness

● Unprecedented gaining or losing weight

● Unnatural changes in mood

● Frequenting the washroom right after eating

● Reduced food intake

● Preferring to eat alone

● Avoiding social interactions

● Increased mastication

If you observe any of these symptoms, seek medical advice from a physician, nutritionist, or psychotherapist for eating disorders treatment right away.

Eating Disorders Treatment

After an initial diagnosis, the individual can undergo the following eating disorders treatments:

● Psychological therapy:

It involves seeing a psychologist or another mental health professional on a regular basis. Therapy may last from a few months to years. Treatment may involve a combination of different types of therapy, such as:

● Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of psychotherapy focuses on behaviors, thoughts and feelings related to your eating disorder.

● Family-based therapy: During this therapy, family members learn to help you restore healthy eating patterns and achieve a healthy weight until you can do it on your own.

● Group cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy involves meeting with a psychologist or other mental health professional along with others who are diagnosed with an eating disorder.

● Nutrition Education:

Consulting a dietitian and other professionals can help you better understand your eating disorder and help you develop a plan to achieve and maintain healthy eating habits.

● Medications:

Medications can't cure an eating disorder. They're most effective when combined with psychological therapy.

● Hospitalization:

Hospitalization may be necessary if you have serious physical or mental health problems or if you have anorexia and are unable to eat or gain weight. The most important goal of hospitalization is to stabilize acute medical symptoms through beginning the process of normalizing eating and weight.

● Hospital Day treatment program:

Day treatment programs are structured and generally require attendance for multiple hours a day, several days a week.