Eating disorders are a group of serious conditions that encompasses either eating too much or not enough, to the detriment of an individual’s physical and mental health. The main focus of a person suffering from an eating disorder is on food and weight, resulting in abnormal eating habits. The three most common eating disorders are Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
Eating disorders are real, treatable illnesses that often develop in the teen years, and have the highest death rate of any psychological illness, especially in women between the ages of 15 and 24. While societal pressure to be thin and beautiful has played a major part in the increased onset of eating disorders, they are also driven by abuse, genetics, personality traits, and interpersonal concerns. Eating disorders frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders.
People with eating disorders are often suffering greatly and do not know how to handle their lives or their emotions effectively. Manipulation and control of food and weight becomes the primary coping tool. Some of the symptoms are:
§ Binge Eating Disorder
- Frequently eating alone
- Eating to the point of discomfort and/or pain
- Inability to control how much food is consumed
- Depression/guilt associated with how much food consumed
§ Anorexia Nervosa
- Refusal to eat
- Hunger denial
- Negative self-image
- Excessive exercise
- Social withdrawal
- Extreme thinness
§ Bulimia Nervosa
- Self-induced vomiting
- Laxative use
- Excessive exercise
- Damaged teeth and gums
- Dehydration
YOU CAN HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD
Individualized, results-oriented treatment will enable you to heal, develop a healthy self-image and relationship with food and live a balanced, rewarding life.