Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are psychological conditions that compel sufferers to make abnormal choices involving food, in a way that is damaging to their physical health. They commonly involve denying your body the calories it needs to properly function or eating excessively, on a regular basis.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were previously the only eating disorders recognised by major health boards. However, binge eating – where an individual feels the urge to overeat regularly – is now recognised as its own disorder.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were previously the only eating disorders recognised by major health boards. However, binge eating – where an individual feels the urge to overeat regularly – is now recognised as its own disorder.
In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also uses the term ‘a typical eating disorders’ to recognise harmful eating patterns that do not fit within a diagnosis of those mentioned above.
The mortality rate for individuals with eating disorders is higher than those with other mental illnesses. One in five people diagnosed dies from physical complications or from suicide related to an eating disorder. If you suspect you have an eating disorder, it is vital you seek help.
Eating disorders can vary in severity and may present different symptoms in different individuals. It is therefore important you don’t overlook symptoms just because they differ from someone you know.
Speak to a therapist today with experience treating eating disorders.
What causes Eating Disorders?
The development of an eating disorder is usually complex and can involve a number of different factors. Some of these factors can include negative life experiences, learned behaviour, genetics, negative relationships, society and culture
Misunderstandings and stigma
It can be difficult to understand eating disorders, with many of their symptoms going against our natural instincts. The friends and family of a person suffering from an eating disorder can often become frustrated and worried due to misunderstanding such conditions. Many people assume that those with anorexia or bulimia are ‘attention seeking’ or ungrateful for food. Those suffering from binge eating disorder may be seen as being ‘greedy.’
Eating disorders are complex and overcoming one can be extremely difficult, thus falsified beliefs are unhelpful for an individual’s recovery. Many individuals will require specialist psychological support to change their behaviours and overcome underlying issues. An empathetic, considerate approach can help us better understand the problems faced by individual sufferers.
Can Eating Disorders be treated?
Like with most mental illnesses, treatment and recovery for eating disorders take time. Receiving the right treatment can bring positive results and allow you to lead a happier and healthy life without the anxieties and problems caused by an eating disorder. These improvements can stretch across various life areas.
You may undergo an initial assessment to explore the eating disorder and its development. During therapy, you will work together with a therapist to overcome any underlying issues and establish better coping mechanisms.
Eating disorders can involve dishonesty, so it is important to be open and honest not only to those people trying to help you but also to yourself.
After treatment, many can experience some of the symptoms of their eating disorder but to a lesser extent. Many symptoms will go away over time, but issues such as Orthorexia (a fixation with food content to a lesser degree than someone with anorexia or bulimia) and a complicated relationship with food may still persist.
If you notice that some symptoms and signs of an eating disorder still persist or re-emerge at any point then consider seeking further support.
What therapy can help with Eating Disorders?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can assist in the treatment of Anorexia and Bulimia. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps you to learn to recognise negative thoughts associated with your eating disorder before challenging them and replacing them with more helpful thoughts. As our thoughts affect the way we feel and behave, positively changing the way we think can then lead to positive changes in our feelings and behaviour.