Eating disorders
What is an eating disorder?
Eating Disorders are characterised by abnormal eating habits that negatively affect a person’s health.
Different types of eating disorders have different symptoms, but each condition involves an extreme focus on issues related to food and eating, and some involve an extreme focus on weight.
If you have an eating disorder, identifying the condition and seeking treatment sooner will improve chances of recovering. Being aware of the warning signs and symptoms can help you decide whether you, your child or someone you are concerned about seeks help.
TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS
1. ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Anorexia Nervosa generally develops during adolescence or young adulthood and tends to be more common in women than men.
People with anorexia often view themselves as overweight even if they are dangerously underweight.
Common features:
- Very restricted eating patterns
- Intense fear of gaining weight and persistent behaviours to avoid gaining weight despite being underweight
- A relentless pursuit of being thin and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight
- An influence of body weight or perceived body shape on self esteem
- A distorted body image including denial of being seriously underweight
2. BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia Nervosa also generally develops during adolescence or young adulthood.
Common features:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating with a lack of control
- Recurrent episodes of purging (induced vomiting) to prevent weight gain
- A fear of gaining weight, despite having a normal weight and extreme methods of weight control
- Self esteem overly influenced by body shape and weight
3. BINGE EATING DISORDER
Binge eating disorder also typically begins during adolescence but can also develop later.
It involves recurrent binge-eating in the absence of the extreme weight control seen in bulimia.
Common features:
- Eating large amounts of food rapidly, in secret, and until uncomfortably full, despite not necessarily feeling hungry.
- Feeling a lack of control during episodes of binge eating
- Feeling shame, disgust, or guilt, related to binge eating
- No use of purging or laxative misuse
THERAPY FOR EATING DISORDERS
People with Eating disorders can benefit greatly from specialised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which is tailored to each clients disordered eating patterns with the aim of producing cognitive and behavioural change, enabling them to pursue their goals and values.
If you have an eating disorder or know someone who might have one, it is important to seek help from a therapist who has experience and training in treating eating disorders.
Within The Meyer Therapy practice we have therapists who specialise in both eating disorders and nutrition and we would be happy to provide you with a free telephone consultation to assess your needs and find the best therapist fit for you.
