What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating Disorders are abnormal eating patterns that potentially endanger health or increase the risk for other diseases. People with eating disorders often eat, or refuse to eat, to satisfy psychological or emotional needs, rather than a physical need.

There are three main eating disorders.

Disclaimer: this list is not diagnostic or exhaustive, please contact a licensed health care professional for further assistance.

1. ANOREXIA NERVOSA - not eating enough to maintain normal weight

• Person refuses to maintain normal body weight for age and height (85% or less that what is expected for age and height)
• Person is terrified of becoming fat
• Reports feeling fat even when very thin
• Denies the dangers of being too thin
• Emotionally depressed, irritable and withdraws from family and friends
• Performs strange eating habits and rituals
• In women, menstrual period stops and young girls do not begin to menstruate at the appropriate age
• In men, levels of sex hormones fall

2.  BULIMIA NERVOSA - eating quickly or excessively followed by purging/vomiting

• Person eats large quantities of food
• Feels out of control while eating
• Vomits, abuses laxative, exercises or fasts to compensate for caloric intake
• Diets when not bingeing
• Believes self-worth requires being thin
• Weight is usually normal or near normal
• Depression, irritability, mood swings and social withdrawal

3. BINGE EATING DISORDER - periods of eating too much to satisfy an irrational craving for food  

• Frequent and repeated bingeing without vomiting, abusing laxatives or exercising
• Feels out of control and unable to stop during binges
• May eat rapidly and secretly
• Feels guilty and ashamed
• Has a history of multiple diet failures
• Tends to be depressed and overweight

T R E A T M E N T

Eating disorders can be fatal. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve recovery. If not identified and treated in early stages, eating disorders can be chronic, debilitating and even life threatening conditions.

We utilize a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

1. Evaluation, diagnosis and development of an individualized treatment plan
2. Medication management
3. Nutritional counseling
4. Individual, Group and Family therapy

The first phase of treatment is a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist who specializes in treating eating disorders. The severity of the illness as well as risk of medical complications will be thoroughly assessed and a treatment plan will be formed. If a patient is medically stable, outpatient treatment is usually the treatment of choice. If a higher level of care is recommended, a referral will be made to an inpatient or day treatment eating disorder facility.

A multidisciplinary treatment approach is essential in the treatment of eating disorders. Eating disorders are not only about food, weight and appearance, but are often a sign of low self-esteem and inability to cope with stress. We focus on addressing the underlying issues that have contributed to the development of the eating disorder and normalize eating patterns and weight. A combination of individual and/or family therapy, group therapy, nutritional counseling, and when appropriate, medications will be recommended.

The treatment is individually tailored. The length and intensity of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the disorder and the patient's particular problems, needs, and strengths.