WHAT are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are a group of mental health disorders characterized by a persistent disturbance in an individual's eating patterns and behaviors that significantly affects their physical and psychological health. Eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background, and can have serious physical and psychological consequences if left untreated.

The most common types of eating disorders are:

  1. Anorexia nervosa: characterized by an extreme fear of weight gain, a distorted body image, and a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight.

  2. Bulimia nervosa: characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or engaging in excessive exercise.

  3. Binge eating disorder: characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging behaviors.

  4. Other specified feeding or eating disorders: a category that includes other types of disordered eating behaviors that do not meet the full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.

Eating disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, biology, psychological factors, and environmental factors. Risk factors for developing an eating disorder include a history of trauma or abuse, negative body image, low self-esteem, and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and nutritional counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy used to treat eating disorders, and may involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions. Medications may be used to help manage symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Nutritional counseling can also be an important component of treatment, as it can help individuals establish healthy eating patterns and improve their relationship with food.

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Specialties

 
 
 
 

DEPRESSION AND SADNESS

ANXIETY, FEAR AND STRESS

MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP CONCERNS

INFIDELITY

DIVORCE

MAJOR LIFE CHANGES

DATING AND BREAKUPS

LONELINESS

GRIEF AND LOSS

CREATING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES IN RELATIONSHIPS

COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES

FORGIVENESS

ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING

ANGER, SHAME AND GUILT

CHRONIC PAIN

HEALTH ISSUES

SEXUAL OR PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION

COUNSELING FOR MEN