There is a variety of concerns within the spectrum of eating disorders. From the intense restriction of anorexia to the painful overconsumption of compulsive overeating, there are emotional and psychological roots behind these behaviors. If you or a loved one is currently challenged by an eating disorder, we can help address these concerns in a holistic manner.
Through our team approach, we will work with you regarding medical concerns, nutritional needs, physical fitness/wellbeing, and counseling for emotional and psychological balance. With cognitive behavior therapy, we will identify dysfunctional beliefs about self, address feelings of shame, guilt, anger, sadness, focus on concerns of self esteem and sense of control, recognize eating behavior triggers, and develop healthy coping strategies for stress.
Anorexia
Signs and Symptoms:
*Underweight, perhaps dramatically *Obsession with calories fat grams and nutrition
*Intense fear of gaining weight *Distorted view of body and/or weight
*Pretending to eat or lying about eating (“I had a huge lunch.”) *Harshly critical of appearance
*Intense need or desire to control feelings, surroundings, eating patterns *Excessive use diet pills, laxatives, diuretics
*May vomit after eating *Compulsive exercising
Risk Factors:
*Body dissatisfaction *Low self-esteem *Perfectionism and/or being an over-achiever
*Childhood sexual abuse *Family history of eating disorders
Binge Eating
Signs and Symptoms:
*Above average weight or overweight *Consuming large amount of food in a short period of time (i.e. two hours), until uncomfortably full
*Binges occur at least twice a week for a period of six months *Does not purge after a binge (differs from bulimia)
*Feeling out of control during a binge *Hiding and hording food *Eating alone out of embarrassment
Risk Factors:
*Feelings of emptiness *Desire to hide from emotions
*Difficulty coping with stress *Feeling unworthy of love, affection
*Low self-esteem uses bingeing as self-punishment
Bulimia
Signs and Symptoms:
*Weight is typically average or slightly below *Persistent concern with body image
*Key component is the recurring binge and purge cycle, episodes of rapid food consumption followed by guilt and purging
*Other compensatory may occur in place of purging (vomiting, laxatives), such as compulsive exercise or fasting the day after a binge
*The episodes occur at least twice a week for three months
Risk Factors:
*Poor body image *Low self-esteem, critical home environment
*Childhood sexual abuse *Appearance oriented activities (dancers, models, runners, gymnasts)
*Strict dieting patterns often trigger binge and purge cycles, “if a rule is broken, the all or nothing mentality sets in”
Compulsive Over-Eating
Signs and Symptoms:
*Overweight, difficulty in losing weight *Often seen as an addiction to or a compulsive relationship to food
*Feels out of control while eating *In addition to bingeing, also grazes throughout the day and night
*Depression or mood swings *Withdrawal from activities due to embarrassment about weight
Eating little in public, but maintaining a high body weight *Hides behind physical appearance to isolate or protect self
Risk Factors:
*Feels guilty and ashamed *Personality type may be people pleasing, easily influenced by the opinions of others
*Believes self to be undeserving because of behavior and/or weight
*Low self esteem *Constant need for love and validation
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact us for more information on our treatment programs. Together we can help you move forward out of these unhealthy patterns by nurturing your mind, body and spirit
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