|
What is an Eating Disorder?
|
People who have an eating disorder all share the core problem of an unhealthy relationship with food with associated body image problems. There are three major types of eating disorders, though most people don't fit perfectly into one of the three groups.
In Anorexia Nervosa (AN), a person most commonly doesn't consume enough calories to maintain normal body function. The person loses weight rapidly and becomes severely underweight. What is most striking to those around the person with AN is that he/she does not seem to think the weight loss is a problem, and often feels additional weight loss is necessary.
In Bulimia Nervosa (BN), someone most commonly eats larger than normal quantities of food at one time ("binge"), and then they throw it up or "purge" their stomach contents. This process is often done secretly with strong associated guilt.
For those who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder (BED), binging exists without being followed by a purge. Their weight rapidly goes up.
|
|
Why do people not fit perfectly into one eating disorder category or another?
|
Many people who suffer from eating disorders tend to move from one category of eating disorders (see question 1) to another. Often a person tries to starve herself/himself in an effort to lose weight and becomes obsessed with food. She tries to control her relationship with food by avoiding food and any food-related experiences. However, when food is finally consumed, she quickly loses control of how much she eats, since she is in a state of self-induced starvation. When she realizes one of her worst fear has happened, she may relieve the guilt by purging. Thus, not eating ("restriction") may convert itself into eating large quantities of food, then throwing up ("binge/purge cycle").
|
|
How do I know if I have an eating disorder?
|
The best way to find out if you or someone you know has an eating disorder is to be evaluated by a professional who specializes in eating disorders. However, often there are many clues that may point to an eating disorder.
* Not eating at all.
* Not eating certain foods like sugars and fats.
* Eating in unusual ways, such as very small and slow bites, or bizzare combinations of foods.
* Becoming distressed at the end of a meal and excusing themselves to go to the restroom.
* Visible changes in weight (gaining or losing rapidly).
* Associated mood changes such as irritability, withdrawal from family members and friends, isolation in her room, low energy, sadness, and sometimes periods of heightened excitement.
* Denial that there is problem.
* Anger when eating issues are brought up.
* Avoiding meals with others.
|
|
How does it feel to have an eating disorder?
|
Having an eating disorder can be scary and disturbing, while also being strangely comforting. The sufferer doesn't know necessarily how the eating disorder started, but he/she feels unable to stop or doesn't want to stop. There can be sadness, lack of energy, paralyzing guilt, feeling overwhelmed, feeling secretive and deceitful about eating disorder behaviors (e.g. restriction, binging, purging), and feeling unable to stop the behavior.
|
|
Did I make my child, spouse, boyfriend, etc develop an eating disorder?
|
No one person can or should take "blame" for "creating" an eating disorder in someone else. There are many things that contribute to the developement of an eating disorder in someone. However, if the goal is recovery from the eating disorder, then understanding what we can and cannot do to help the loved one out of the eating disorder is a much more productive priority. Changing behavior in family members can be an essential part of eating disorder recovery and ongoing mental health.
|
|
Why do eating disorders happen?
|
There is NOT one particular event, person, or experience that "creates" an eating disorder. However, what we do understand is that eating disorders occur as a culmination of many different stressors all coming together. Some of these stressors may include:
* Possible hereditary factors
* Heavy dieting in the family and peers
* Low self-esteem
* Poor body image
* Poor idea of whom you are ("sense of self")
* Excessive guilt
* Traumatic sexual experiences
* Depression
* Anxiety disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
* Constant and strong media influences which send the message that "if you are thin you will be more liked and more happy"
* Peer pressure for thinness
* Bullying by peers about current weight
* Abusive relationships
* Anger, turned inward
* Desire for complete control and perfection as evidence of excellence
* Desire to excel in athletics, dance (ballet), and gymnastics
* many more...
*
|
|
Where do I find reliable literature about eating disorders?
|
An excellent resource is the Gurze publishing company, which has a niche in eating disorders. The webiste is www.gurze.com
|
|
Where should I start when I decide to get help for treatment of an eating disorder?
|
It is recommended that you start with one clinician and get assistance with building a "treatment team." There are so many parts of any eating disorder that need to be addressed that it is extremely difficult to get everything you need from one clinician. Start with a Primary Care Physician, Therapist, Dietitian, Psychiatrist, or a Pastor, etc...just start. Often the hardest part of treating an eating disorder is the recognition that there is a problem in the first place.
|
|
Why can't I just treat the eating disorder on my own?
|
Surely you could try, and such efforts are valiant. However, eating patterns become such second nature and habit-like that having a fresh look by somebody who is educated in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders is a much more reliable source for recovery. You need to ask yourself the reasons why you would prefer to treat yourself. Are you concerned what people would say if they knew you have an eating disorder? Are you afraid that the clinician may ask you to eat things that are scary? Are you concerned are about giving up the control over eating? Or, do you think that engaging with a clinician may result in recovery? Are you afraid of really giving up the eating disorder?
|
|
Do I need a treatment provider who specializes in eating disorders?
|
Preferably, yes. Eating disorders require treatment from a medical, psychological, psychiatric and a nutritional perspective. All of these are complex and unique. A treatment provider who does not understand eating disorders could inadvertantly undermine recovery. Specialists understand the subtleties of eating disorders and the psychology behind them. This makes it more likely that the person will be understood and will receive appropriate treatment.
|
|
What do all these credentials mean?
|
* PhD is a doctor-level therapist or psychologist.
* MD and DO are medical doctors or physicians who can prescribe medications, do tests, and check labs. Psychiatrists are MD's or DO's.
* MSW is a masters in social work, and often are clinical social worker or therapists.
* MA can be a masters-level therapist in psychology.
* RD is a registered dietician who may assist with meal planning.
* RN is a registered nurse.
|
|
More to come soon!
|
* Caring Confrontation
* Medical complications of eating disorders
* Insurance issues
* Pros and Cons of different levels of care
* MORE!
|
