Millions of people in the United States live with an eating disorder. Eating disorders are conditions that affect how people eat, think about food, and feel about their bodies.
Eating disorders are serious conditions that can affect a person’s mental and physical health. An eating disorder can be life-threatening. People can recover from an eating disorder if they get treatment, which usually includes therapy.
This article will explore eating disorders and how to treat them. You will learn:
- Common types of eating disorders
- What may cause an eating disorder
- The risks of eating disorders
- How to recognize eating disorders
- What happens in eating disorder treatment
- Where to find eating disorder therapy in Fort Pierce
If you or someone you love lives with an eating disorder, seek treatment right away. Find compassionate, evidence-based treatment plans at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about the treatment of eating disorders or to schedule an intake appointment.
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ToggleWhat is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects how people feel about food, eating, and their bodies. People with an eating disorder may have anxiety about their body shape or size. They may engage in unhealthy eating behaviors, such as restricting food intake or purging (throwing up) after eating.
People with eating disorders may struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health symptoms. An eating disorder can lead to serious health risks, including malnutrition. These conditions can also be life-threatening.
People who exhibit symptoms of an eating disorder need treatment. Treatment for an eating disorder typically includes talk therapy and other mental health care.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are several types of eating disorders. Here is a brief overview of several of the most common types.
Anorexia
People with anorexia may go to extreme lengths to control their body shape and weight. They may:
- Severely limit calorie intake
- Exercise excessively
- Use diet drugs or laxatives
- Vomit after eating
These behaviors can significantly impact a person’s health and ability to function. This condition can lead to dangerously low weight and death without treatment.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia involves engaging in a cycle of bingeing (eating a large amount of food in a short time) and purging (throwing up, using laxatives, exercising excessively, or restricting food).
People with bulimia may be preoccupied with their body. They may focus excessively on their weight or body shape and have a negative self-image.
Binge eating disorder
Binge-eating disorder involves episodes of bingeing (eating a large amount of food in a short period). People may feel out of control during a binge. They may eat to the point where they are uncomfortable.
After a binge, people may feel a sense of shame, disgust, or guilt. Some may restrict food for a long time afterward, which increases the likelihood they will binge again.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
People with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder may eat very few foods. They may also limit their eating altogether, resulting in poor growth and development.
People with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder do not have anxiety about their weight or shape. They may instead focus on the texture, sight, or smell of food. Or, they may worry excessively about vomiting, feeling sick, or choking while eating.
Mental health and other healthcare professionals do not know exactly why people develop eating disorders. Some believe that genetics and biology may contribute to eating disorders. Other risk factors include:
- Family history
- Frequent dieting
- Other mental health conditions
- Being bullied for weight or body shape
- Increased stress
It is important to recognize and treat an eating disorder as quickly as possible.
Risks of an Eating Disorder
An eating disorder can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. Some complications of an eating disorder may include:
- Increased substance abuse
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Physical health conditions, including impaired growth and malnutrition
- Relationship problems
- Impaired functioning at work or school
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
An eating disorder can be life-threatening if people do not receive effective treatment.
Recognizing an Eating Disorder
People with an eating disorder may feel a deep sense of shame or guilt about their behaviors. These feelings may prevent them from asking for help. In many cases, others may take action after recognizing the signs of an eating disorder.
Some potential signs of an eating disorder include:
- Increased isolation
- Eating a very limited diet
- An extreme focus on healthy eating, even during holidays or celebrations
- Using laxatives or weight loss drugs
- Thinking or talking a lot about wanting to lose weight or focusing excessively on their body shape or size
- Eating large amounts of food very quickly
- Exercising excessively (not taking rest days, skipping social events because they feel compelled to exercise, continuing to exercise while injured, etc.)
- Hiding or being dishonest about their eating
- Frequently going to the bathroom immediately after eating
Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder is the first step toward getting help.
What to Expect in Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorder treatment programs include therapy sessions and, in some cases, residential or day treatment. Several types of therapy can help people with eating disorders overcome them and move forward.
Here is an overview of common eating disorder therapies.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT can help people develop skills to solve problems, cope with stress, and improve eating habits. This type of therapy is most effective for people with binge-eating disorder, bulimia, and some other disorder eating patterns.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT gives people effective coping skills to reduce stress and regulate emotions. This type of talk therapy can help people reduce destructive or impulsive behaviors related to their eating disorder.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT can help people accept challenging thoughts and behaviors instead of ignoring or denying them. It also helps people set goals and take steps to make positive changes.
Family-based treatment (FBT)
FBT is typically an outpatient therapy for children and adolescents with anorexia. This type of therapy includes other family members working to help a person with anorexia maintain a healthy weight.
Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialist to learn more about the specific therapies we use to treat eating disorders.
Find an Eating Disorder Therapist in Fort Pierce
If you or a loved one struggles with an eating disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our Fort Pierce treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment.