Eating Disorder: What You Need to Know

Most people are familiar with the terms anorexia or bulimia, however, most people do not know just how devastating an eating disorder can truly be for the person who is affected.  The condition can affect physical and mental health and encompass every aspect of a persons life.  According to researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health, between 5-15% of young girls and women, and 2-5% of young men suffer from anorexia, binge eating disorders, bulimia or some other type of food issues. 

In the United States, approximately 1 in 100 women have admitted to binge and purge behavior in an effort to lose weight.  Due to the fact that most eating disorders are co-occurring (meaning the disorder presents with another condition), it is almost impossible to estimate morbidity rates for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.  The scary reality is that eating disorder statistics suggest that the fatality rate is between 12-20% for those people affected.  Because of the guilt, shame and secrecy surrounding eating disorders, it is highly likely that many cases go unreported, which makes general statistics inaccurate and most likely much higher.

Getting Treatment for Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a very serious health condition that can be personally, emotionally and physically destructive.   A person who suffers from an eating disorder needs to have serious medical and professional help.  For treatment to be effective and long-term, a person needs to receive psychotherapy, counseling and careful attention given to medical and nutritional requirements.  Whatever type of treatment is prescribed should be personalized to suit the needs of the individual and will vary according to the severity of the condition, the patients problems, needs and abilities.

Typically, treatment is conducted under the supervision of a licensed health care professional and may include consultations with the following individuals; psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, primary care physician and possibly a nutritionist.  Treatment for an eating disorder should always be coordinated and facilitated by a team of health care professionals with experience and expertise in handling disorders of this particular type.

Treatment should include problems surrounding the symptoms of the disorder including biological, personal, psychological and cultural issues which contribute or necessitate the eating disorder.  Nutritional counseling can be an integral part of therapy and will incorporate education about nutritional requirements and planning and monitoring the choices of the patient.  Many people with eating disorders do well with outpatient therapy which includes individual, group or family therapy, management by a medical professionals, support groups, nutritional counseling and psychiatric medication administered under careful medical guidance.

The Importance of Treatment for Eating Disorders

Because the world of eating disorders is so extremely complex and involved, the importance of treatment should never be underestimated.  Many people worry about their weight, what they eat and their appearance.  This is particularly true in teenagers and young adults, at a time when ones body is growing and changing, peer pressure to stay thin and look a “certain way,” can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of losing control and personal imperfection.  Feelings of this nature can be hard to understand and some young people turn to eating disorders to regain control and conform to a preconceived ideal they may have in their mind.

It can be hard to admit seeing the signs of an eating disorder in a friend or loved one, it can be difficult to address the situation for fear of being wrong or possibly alienating the other person.  Although it is extremely uncomfortable to bring up such a delicate and personal topic, left untreated, eating disorders will only become worse and the emotional and physical damage can be severe and irreversible.

Aside from being supportive, the most important thing a person can do for the person affected with an eating disorder is to encourage treatment.   The longer the condition goes without being diagnosed and addressed, the more difficult it is to seek treatment, which is why it is so important to urge a person to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If your loved on is extremely malnourished, severely depressed or has thoughts of suicide, suffers from medical complications related to an eating disorder or gets worse despite being in treatment, time is of the essence and hospitalization may be necessary.  Recovery is a long and arduous process, which is why getting the proper treatment is most important.

Benefits of Treatment

The road to recovery for a person suffering from an eating disorder begins with the person admitting to the problem.  Admitting to something like this is never an easy prospect, but with the right treatment the behaviors associated with eating disorders can be overcome.  One of the many benefits of treatment is that true recovery will teach the person how to listen to the body, learn how to address feelings and how to trust, love and accept themselves.

Getting treatment for eating disorders can be frightening and embarrassing for some, but it is the most important thing a person can do to survive. The scary reality of the matter is that each year thousands of people lose their fight in the battle against eating disorders. Eating disorders can be difficult to overcome alone, this is why it is so important to find the best treatment plan possible.

It is important to have a good support network to aid in the recovery process, for a person with an eating disorder this can mean the difference between life and death.  Eating disorders are never truly about food, it is about using food as a coping mechanism when dealing with feelings such as anger, guilt, self-hate, fear and vulnerability.  A person uses food to feel in control, to elicit feelings of comfort or to punish themselves.  There are healthier ways to deal with overwhelming emotions that do not involve the use of food and self-punishment.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any type of issues with food or eating disorders, there is help available.  You can contact the admissions office of Transformations Treatment Center today for further information.