Eating Disorders

Therapy for Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are characterized by a continuous disruption of eating behaviors that significantly impact physical health or psychological functioning. There are various diagnoses within the eating disorders category that consist of different sets of behaviors. Eating disorders are sometimes caused by an individual’s attempt to control their body using their logical mind, but this often backfires and causes a feeling of total loss of control. 

Anorexia

Anorexia is characterized by a restriction of caloric intake that significantly impacts weight and often impairs physical health. Anorexia often results in a low weight that is below the average healthy weight for an individual, with consideration to their sex, age, and developmental trajectory. The caloric restriction is usually a result of an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. Anorexic individuals often have a skewed perspective of the appearance of their body, often thinking they are larger than they actually are, and body image issues result. Some anorexics restrict their intake alone, while others binge and purge (vomiting or using laxatives or other means of eliminating calories consumed). 

Bulimia

Bulimia is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating: eating an extremely large quantity of food in a short period of time in a manner that feels out of control for the bulimic individual. Compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative abuse, weight loss medications, excessive exercise and fasting may be used in an attempt to prevent weight gain. These behaviors occur at least once a week for a period of 3 months.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by eating large amounts of food, often rapidly, sometimes when one is not physically hungry. Binge Eaters often eat in secret because they are ashamed to eat around others. They are often depressed and have self-hating thoughts as a result of feeling out of control. Binge eaters do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging to prevent weight gain.

Emotional Eating

Emotional Eating is not diagnosed as a full blown eating disorder, however it can exist as a result of similar thoughts and behavioral patterns that are exhibited by those with an eating disorder diagnosis. Emotional eaters often consume calories for psychological reasons and have trouble tuning into their hunger and fullness cues. They may eat as a way to fill unmet needs such as the need for companionship, love, or when stressed with life obligations. Emotional eating often coexists with other psychological distress and disorders.