Eating Disorders Treatment

The Truth about Eating Disorders: What They Are and Why They Are So Dangerous

 

For those not aware, Americans struggle with a wide range of eating disorders, with the most common ones being anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, pica, and binge eating. These disorders and others can adversely impact an individual's health to such an extent that they develop serious medical, psychiatric, and psychosocial problems. And all of this makes sense when you consider that the definition of an eating disorder is any range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal eating habits. Even though most people try desperately to hide their eating disorder from the world, it becomes apparent that they have one when they start to exhibit specific behavioral, emotional, and psychological symptoms. According to an article published by Medical News Today, some of these hallmark symptoms include the following:

 

• Severely restricting food or caloric intake

• Refusing to eat foods high in certain macronutrients, such as carbohydrates

• Extreme dieting and dramatic changes in body weight

• Developing unusual food rituals, such as chewing excessively

• Becoming overly obsessed with the nutritional content of food

• Vacillating between eating copious amounts of food and eating hardly any food at all

• Starting to go to the bathroom following each meal

• Becoming overly obsessed with their body composition and overall physical appearance

• Not wanting to eat around others

• Mood swings

• Low self-esteem

• Feeling a sense of disgust, shame, or guilt when eating

• Becoming distressed when unable to control one's food or exercise routine

Eating Disorders and the Associated Physical Symptoms

 

Whether someone is struggling with a restrictive food intake disorder, bulimia, binge eating, or any other eating disorder, each of them will, over time, take a toll on their physical health. Physically speaking, individuals with an eating disorder of any kind will generally experience one or more of the following symptoms:

 

• Low thyroid and other hormone levels

• Anemia

• Low potassium levels

• A below-average red or white blood cell count

• Dry hair and skin

• Brittle nails

• Digestive problems

• Dizziness

• Chronic fatigue

• Insomnia

• Muscle wasting

• Wounds that are slow to heal

• High cholesterol

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Arthritis

• Sleep apnea

Eating Disorders Treatment

 

Having already detailed what constitutes eating disorders and some of the tell-tale signs associated with them, let's now turn our attention to treatments. Treating and ultimately overcoming an eating disorder often requires seeking help from a licensed therapist. In addition to helping individuals cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses commonly associated with eating disorders, these mental health professionals help individuals end the abnormal eating patterns, which can jeopardize their health the longer they go untreated. To achieve these goals, a licensed, board-certified therapist will invite individuals with an eating disorder to take part in one or more of the following psychotherapy sessions:

 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Interpersonal psychotherapy

• Family-based treatment

• Art therapy

• Mindfulness-based therapy techniques

• SMART Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous

Eating Disorder Treatments and Medical Issues

 

Many people will develop medical problems because they have an eating disorder. With that being the case, it is not uncommon for therapists to refer individuals to a physician if they complain of symptoms that suggest something might be medically wrong with them. Some of the medical problems typically associated with eating disorders, and that will usually prompt therapists to refer individuals to a physician, include the following:

 

• Bradycardia

• An electrolyte imbalance

• Symptoms of pancreatitis

• Intestinal blockages or tears

• Chronic or severe pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Symptoms of kidney failure

When treating individuals for an eating disorder, many therapists, including those with Spark Wellness Group in Orlando, FL, will refer them to a physician if they complain of symptoms that correspond with an eating disorder.

 

Nutrition Counseling

 

Along with referring individuals to a physician to address medical issues that arise due to having an eating disorder, therapists will also refer those same individuals to dietitians for nutrition counseling. During nutrition counseling with a registered dietician, individuals learn about the types and amounts of food their body needs to maintain good health. They also learn about portion control and the dangers of mindless eating.

 

Bottom Line

 

In summary, an eating disorder is a lot like a substance abuse problem in that it can quickly turn an individual's life upside down. Fortunately, also like a substance abuse problem, it is possible to overcome such a disorder and go on to live a fulfilling life. However, it should be made clear that this kind of success often requires getting professional eating disorders treatment. To learn more about psychotherapy and how it can help you overcome your eating disorder, consider contacting the Spark Wellness Group today.