Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by weight loss
caused by inadequate caloric intake and/or excessive exercise. Many people
suffering from anorexia believe they cannot be thin enough and continue to
see themselves as "fat" even though they may be extremely malnourished. The
following symptoms and behaviors are common in people suffering from
anorexia:
1. Weight loss
2. Preoccupation with food,
calories, dieting and body image
3. Refusal to eat certain foods
4.
Wearing loose, bulky cloths to hide weight loss
5. Avoiding mealtimes
or eating in front of others
6. Making comments about body image
Because
people with anorexia become expert at hiding it, the disease may become
severe before it comes to the attention of others. Because of this, getting
appropriate treatment is often delayed. What we know about recovery from
anorexia is the sooner in the progression of the illness people get the
right type of treatment the more likely they are to fully recover.
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by episodes of bingeing followed by purging,
fasting, or exercising excessively to compensate for overeating. People
suffering from bulimia are typically normal weight but as with people
suffering from anorexia have intense fears of gaining weight and distorted
body image. The following symptoms and behaviors are common in people
suffering from bulimia:
1. Evidence of binge eating
2. Dieting
without weight loss
3. Hoarding or hiding foods
4. Avoiding eating
in front of others
5. Using the restroom after eating
6. Evidence
of purging
Binge Eating Disorder is
characterized by episodes of overeating and feelings of loss of control
about eating. The following symptoms and behaviors are common in people
suffering from binge eating disorder:
1. Evidence of binge eating
2.
Attempts to hide binge eating behaviors
3. Guilt and shame associated
with binge eating
4. Hoarding or hiding foods
5. Depression
Recognizing
the signs and symptoms of eating disorders is the first step toward getting
help and recovering. Getting the right type of treatment and having support
from others are keys to recovery. Unfortunately, eating disorders have
the highest mortality of all of the psychological disorders as nearly
1 out of 10 people suffering from eating disorders do not survive their
illness. Fortunately, eating disorders are treatable, and with the right
type of treatment and support most can find relief from their eating
disorders and get their lives back on track.
How to approach someone you are concerned may be suffering from and
eating disorder
People suffering from eating disorders often use their
eating disorder behaviors to manage feelings of depression and anxiety. In
other words, they feel less depressed and anxious because of their eating
disorders. They are often ambivalent about getting treatment because
they fear without their eating disorders their symptoms of depression and
anxiety will worsen. Because of this people suffering from eating disorders
hide their behaviors and deny a problem when approached by others. They can
become defensive and angry when concerns about their eating are brought to
them. Don't let their response to your concerns deter you from making sure
they get the right type of help they need. Here are some tips in approaching
someone you are concerned may be suffering from an eating disorder:
1.
Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders
2.
Research different treatment options (see treatment options below)
3.
Approach your loved one directly about your concerns
4. Provide your
loved one written material about eating disorders, the health risks
associatedd with them, and treatment options
4. Be persistent
about your loved one getting help
Levels of Care
Outpatient Treatment
Typically outpatient
treatment involves individual and family psychotherapy. In addition, many
patients also receive nutrition counseling and all patients should be
medically managed by their Primary Care Physician. The psychotherapist
coordinates the patients treatment and insures all the providers communicate
with one another about the patient's treatment. Outpatient care is
appropriate for most patients if they are medically stable and are making
progress in treatment. Progress in treatment should be measured by reduction
and elimination of eating disorder behavior and improved insight about the
psychological issues that might be driving eating disorder behaviors. The
benefit of outpatient treatment is that patients are able to receive
treatment with minimal interruption in their day-to-day lives. In other
words they receive treatment while continuing work, school, and remaining
with their families.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial hospitalization program are typically 8-11 hours per day 5-7
days per week. Patients attend treatment during the day but return home in
the evenings. This level of care is appropriate for those patients who need
more consistent supervision throughout the day to prevent eating disorder
behaviors. Patients at this level of care take a leave from work or school
in order to attend treatment.
Inpatient Residential Treatment
At this level of care patients stay at the treatment facility 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. This level of care is appropriate for those patients who need this level of supervision to prevent eating disorder behaviors or require daily medical monitoring.