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In this article, we aim to provide a better understanding of eating disorders, their treatments, and the support our therapists and psychologists can offer.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that affect an individual’s eating, self-image and general well-being.
They can take several forms, including anorexia, bulimia and typical eating disorders. Here 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 essential to seek professional help.
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What is anorexia?
Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is perhaps the best-known form of eating disorder, as it is a condition often associated with extreme weight loss and a distorted body image. Anorexia has several subcategories and can range from mild to severe cases. Because a person with anorexia often strives for an unrealistically low body weight, anorexia can lead to serious health consequences, including death.
Bulimia: another facet of eating disorders
Bulimia differs from anorexia in several ways, although the two are often confused. While anorexia focuses on self-starvation, 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 of an eating disorder
An eating disorder can take many different psychological forms, but some symptoms are clear signals. If you recognize any of the symptoms below, it could indicate that something is not correct.
- 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 severe physical and psychological consequences. However, each case requires a specific treatment approach. A qualified healthcare provider needs to diagnose it with care.
Treatment and support: the road to recovery
There are various forms of therapy for the treatment of eating disorders. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective, as well as different medical treatments with the help of specialist dieticians. Therefore, each individual must receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
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Relatives and support
Living close to a person with an eating disorder can be challenging. Therefore, therapists recommend support groups and other resources for family members. The support can be beneficial for family members as it provides both more knowledge about what eating disorders can be about and a new perspective on the illness. It can also be a great help for family members to contact a therapist or psychologist for counselling support to deal with their feelings and increase their knowledge.
How can we make the difficult easier?
Eating disorders are complex diseases that require individualized care and treatment. Whether it is anorexia, bulimia or another form, it is essential 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 FAQs about Eating Disorders
What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a complex mental illness that affects a person’s eating behaviour, 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 and assess the psychological profile.
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. At the same time, 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 isn’t easy to give an exact figure as many cases go undiagnosed. However, they are more common in women than men. Young people are also more commonly affected.
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 hurt 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 essential to handle the situation with care. 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 eating changes, meal avoidance, 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 sufferers and their families. You can visit Eating Disorders South Africa’s website for information on support groups near you.
What to do in an emergency?
If you need to speak to an eating disorder therapist in your area, please contact the Relapse Prevention national helpline at (+27) 073 593 2722 immediately and seek professional medical help.
Eating disorder treatment step-by-step
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to take the first step towards recovery. To give you an idea of what treatment might look like, we have listed the different steps that might be involved below:
- Initial consultation: You will meet with a doctor or specialist to identify symptoms and discuss medical history.
- Diagnostic evaluation: Comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation to establish a diagnosis.
- Treatment plan: Development of an individualized treatment plan with a team of healthcare providers, including doctors, psychologists and dieticians.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), family therapy or other forms of psychotherapy can be effective.
- Medical follow-up: Regular doctor’s visits to monitor health status and possible medical complications.
- Nutritional therapy: Working with a registered dietician to develop a healthy meal plan.
- Self-help and support groups: Opportunity to participate in support groups or self-help programs.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Ongoing evaluations to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- Long-term monitoring: Continued follow-up and possible adjustment of treatment strategies to ensure long-term well-being.
- Lifestyle changes: Encouragement to adopt a long-term sustainable and balanced lifestyle to avoid relapse.
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