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In this article, we help you understand what eating disorders are, how they are treated and what help is available.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that affect an individual’s eating patterns, self-image and general well-being. They can take several forms, including anorexia and bulimia. Therefore, we want to give you an overall understanding of eating disorders, the different forms of therapy and the support available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional support. Help is available.
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What is anorexia?
Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is perhaps the best known type of eating disorder. It is a condition often associated with extreme weight loss and a distorted body image. Additionally, anorexia nervosa has several subcategories and can range from mild to severe. Importantly, as a person with anorexia often strives for an unrealistically low body weight, anorexia can lead to serious health consequences, including death.
What is bulimia?
Bulimia differs from anorexia in several ways, although the two are often confused. While anorexia focuses on self-starvation, however, bulimia involves a cycle of binge eating followed by various methods of “getting rid” of the calories, usually through vomiting or excessive exercise.
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Signs and symptoms
An eating disorder can take many different forms, however there are some symptoms that are common. If you recognize any of the symptoms below, it could be an indication that you would benefit from additional support.
- Drastic weight loss or gain
- Obsession with food and calories
- Social isolation
- Physical symptoms such as hair loss or lanugo (fine body hair)
Differences and similarities between anorexia and bulimia
Both anorexia and bulimia can have serious physical and psychological consequences. However, each case requires its own specific treatment approach. Both conditions can only be diagnosed by a qualified healthcare provider.
The road to recovery
There are various forms of therapies that treat eating disorders. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective, in addition to various medical treatments and the help of specialist dieticians. Therefore, it is important that each individual receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
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Relatives and support
Seeing a person you are close to struggle with an eating disorder can be challenging. Therefore, therapists recommend support groups and other resources for family members. This support can be very helpful for family members as it provides both knowledge about what eating disorders are as well as a new perspective on the illness. It can also be a great help for family members to have contact with a therapist or psychologist, both for counselling support to deal with their own feelings and to learn ways to help support their relative.
How we make the difficult easier
Eating disorders are complex conditions that require individualized care and treatment. Whether it is anorexia, bulimia or a different type of eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to take the first step towards recovery by booking a session with one of our specialized therapists.
12 common questions and answers about eating disorders
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a complex mental illness that affects a person’s eating habits, self-image and physical health. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder often have a profound impact on daily life.
What causes eating disorders?
There is no single cause of eating disorders. It is often a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Therefore, things like stress, societal pressure and past trauma can also play a role.
How are eating disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis of eating disorders is often done through psychological evaluations and medical tests. These help to rule out other underlying medical conditions.
Are anorexia and bulimia the same thing?
No, anorexia and bulimia are different types of eating disorders. Anorexia is characterized by an extreme fear of weight gain and a distorted body image, while bulimia involves episodes of binge eating followed by methods to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
How common are eating disorders?
Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide but it is difficult to give an exact figure as many cases go undiagnosed. According to the National Initiative for Eating Disorders, around 2.7 million people in Canada are impacted by eating disorders.
How are eating disorders treated?
Treatment for eating disorders can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication and nutritional therapy. A multidisciplinary team of psychologists, dieticians and doctors are often involved in the treatment process.
Can eating disorders lead to other health problems?
Yes, eating disorders can lead to a range of physical complications, including heart problems, kidney failure and osteoporosis. They can also have a negative impact on mental health, such as increased risk of depression and anxiety.
What can you do if you suspect someone has an eating disorder?
If you suspect that someone has an eating disorder, it is important to handle the situation carefully. Encourage the person to seek professional help and avoid giving unsolicited advice about food or weight.
What are the first symptoms of an eating disorder?
The first symptoms can vary but often include an obsession with food, weight and body image. Other warning signs may include dramatic changes in eating, avoidance of meals and isolation from friends and family.
How can eating disorders affect mental health?
Eating disorders can lead to a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. The psychological strain can be significant and often requires specialized treatment.
Are there support groups for eating disorders?
Yes, there are various support groups and organizations that focus on helping people with eating disorders. These can be very helpful for both those with eating disorders and their families. The National Eating Disorder Information Centre has a directory of different support groups throughout the country.
What to do in an emergency?
If you or someone you know is in an acute life-threatening situation related to an eating disorder, seek professional medical help by calling 911.
Eating disorder treatment step by step
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards recovery. To give you an idea of what treatment might look like, here are different steps that might be a part of the treatment process:
1. Seek professional help
Contact a healthcare provider or psychologist. Professional help is essential for effective treatment. If you feel unsure, remember that we are here to make the difficult easier. You are not alone.
2. Medical evaluation
A doctor will conduct a full medical evaluation to assess your physical health and any immediate risks.
3. Psychological assessment
A psychologist or therapist can help identify the causes of the eating disorder and develop strategies to deal with it.
4. Nutritional counselling
A dietician can offer guidance on healthy eating and help create a meal plan to support recovery.
5. Treatment plan
Together with your healthcare team, an individual treatment plan is created which may include therapy, medication and nutritional advice.
6. Therapy
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is effective in treating eating disorders. Group therapy can also be helpful.
7. Support groups
Attending support groups can provide additional support and understanding from others going through similar experiences.
8. Long-term follow-up
Recovery is a long-term process. Continued support from healthcare providers and therapists is important to maintain progress.
9. Self-care and positive routines
Develop healthy routines and activities that promote self-care and positive self-image.
As it can often seem daunting or challenging to begin treatment, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. At Lavendla, we unfortunately cannot offer a full treatment for eating disorders, but perhaps you need support to decide if treatment is appropriate? We offer initial video sessions with our therapists, so you can book a call to gain information and clarity.
