Eating Disorder Treatment
What are eating disorders?
The phrase “eating disorder” commonly refers to a group of conditions characterized by eating habits that are viewed as being abnormal. In this particular instance, abnormal is defined as being either an excessive or insufficient intake of food, that which is not normal. Additionally, the person’s emotional, mental, and physical health can be negatively affected in the process.
The different types of eating disorders
The 3 most common eating disorders witnessed in the US today are the following:
Anorexia Nervosa – the disorder is evidenced when the individual refuses to eat properly and does not maintain what is considered a healthy body weight. It is typically characterized by a distorted self image and poor self esteem.
Binge eating disorders – 2% of all males and 3.5% of all females are affected by this type of eating disorder. It is the most common of all eating disorders known today.
Bulimia Nervosa – characterized by binge eating followed by a compensatory measure which may include:
- the use of diuretics, enemas, and laxatives
- over exercising
- purging (a.k.a. defensive vomiting)
Additionally, bulimics (not non-bulimics) tend to develop affective disorders such as anxiety and depression which must also be addressed during the client’s eating disorder treatment.
Signs and symptoms
Where any eating disorder is concerned, there is always going to signs and symptoms that become visible the disorder is present. These include rapid or out-of-control or eating. However, they can be stopped when the individual:
- is interrupted by another person
- experiences stomach discomfort caused by over-extension
Typically the person follows this up by some purging action like defensive vomiting or self induced vomiting. In the earlier stages of the disorder, this behavior might only happen once a week. But, in more severe, it can happen everyday. Once it progresses to this point, any of the following result:
- backs of hands being scarred because of repeated chewing on them
- chronic and painful gastric reflux after eating
- continual weight fluctuations
- constipation
- dehydration due to continual vomiting
- electrolyte imbalances
- enlarged neck glands under the jaw line
- inflamed esophagus
- delayed emptying
- infertility
- lacerations to the mouth and/or throat lining caused by inducing vomiting with the fingers or other objects
- peptic ulcers
Eventually, medical attention and an eating disorder treatment and recovery program becomes the only possible solution.
Our facility can help you
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, our affordable, high quality treatment and recovery programs can help you stop suffering and return to a normal lifestyle. Just remember that we are always here to help, no matter what time of the day it is. Call us today and we will be happy to provide you with further information.