Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is a very complex and complicated disorder. We now know that eating disorders involve biological, psychological, social and interpersonal conditions. While family dynamics can play a role in the development of an eating disorder, parents are not the ultimate cause. Besides individual therapy, involving the family is one of the most important components of my treatment of eating disorders.
Eating disorders can affect anyone, of any age, any race, any religion, any nationality, any socioeconomic level, they can run in families, and an eating disorder can be deadly.
Eating disorders ARE treatable and complete recovery is possible!
What is an eating disorder?
"Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues."
Basically, an eating disorder is a poor coping skill that one learns to use. Why would someone use food as a coping skill? Because it works. Just think about it. Food is plentiful and easy to get. It is cheap and you can't get a DUI for eating. It can be satisfying and soothing for the "emotional eater" who is trying to decrease feelings of anxiety, depression or loss. At the same time, decreasing caloric intake has been proven to give others a "high" and losing weight is encouraged and praised in our society. So for some, they see it as "the thinner the better." Many people get caught on the trap of cronic dieting and actually end up gaining weight over time due to the constant roller coaster affect of long term dieting. Most people get tired of trying to lose weight only to have it return once they stop the diet.
Strengthening family dynamics and communication plays a key role in helping your loved one enter recovery. Involvoing the family is another important step in the treatment process.
Different types of eating disorders
1. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (ED NOS): This category is the most common among all eating disorders. People with ED NOS do not fit into the categories of anorexia or bulimia.
Examples of ED NOS
- Binge eating disorder (BED) fits into this category. People with BED are also known as "compulsive overeaters" or "emotional eaters." Most with BED are overweight and obese in size but they can also be normal weight or even undereight. Binge eaters eat a large amount fo food in a short period of time and feel uncomfortable physically after a binge.
- "Chewing & Spitting": A person who chews their food but does not allow themselves to swallow it with the false idea that there can be no weight gain. Instead, food is spit out.
2. Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia is the second most commone among all eating disorders. A bulimic can be any weight. They are always above 18% body mass index. Bulimics go to extremes to get rid of the food or calories they consumed by purging (making themselves vomit after eating), over exercising, or abusing diuretics & laxatives.
3. Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia is the rarest of all eating disorders. Those with the disorder have an intense fear of gaining weight and go to extremes to lose weight or prevent themselves from gaining weight. Examples can include: restricting, over exercising, or purging. Someone with anorexia must have a body mass index of below 18% and they no longer have their monthly cycle.
EDN Maryland Support Groups
Eating Disorder Resources
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD) The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) Eating Disorder Coalition
(EDC)- Families Empowered & Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T)
- Gurze Books (Gurze)
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