Eating disorders impact millions of individuals, particularly women aged 12 to 35. These disorders can harm physical and mental health, affecting various aspects of life. 

Recovery involves more than just stopping unhealthy eating behaviour; an effective treatment plan also requires finding new ways to handle emotional struggles and rediscovering your identity beyond food, weight, and body image. 

Starting treatment early is crucial to minimise serious health risks. Continue reading to explore the best treatment programme for eating disorders available at PROMIS.

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that can have debilitating, long-term effects on physical and emotional well-being. It usually involves an intense fear of gaining weight and then losing control over food intake, leading to a cycle of self-starvation and weight loss.

In addition, these disorders are also often associated with the issue of body image and can overlap with other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, making the treatment process complex and challenging. 

Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can manifest in various forms. All of these conditions are characterised by problems related to eating and feeding behaviours. Some of the most common types include:

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder marked by significant weight loss and involves challenges in keeping a healthy body weight based on height, age, and build, along with a distorted view of one’s body. People with this condition often limit their calorie intake and the kinds of food they consume to avoid gaining weight. 

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by frequent episodes of binging, purging, or both. The person may use extreme measures to counteract the effects of food intake, such as self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, and excessive exercise. 

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is another type of eating disorder that affects people who overeat and then feel guilty or ashamed afterward. They may eat quickly, bingeing for hours without stopping until they are uncomfortably full. They may usually eat alone out of embarrassment, and they typically have a history of being overweight or obese.

Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder is characterised by recurring episodes of compulsive overeating, which are not followed by purging.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), once called selective eating disorder, is a condition where people restrict the types or amounts of food they consume. Unlike anorexia nervosa, those with ARFID do not have a skewed body image or an intense fear of weight gain. ARFID typically appears in middle childhood and often starts earlier than other eating disorders. 

Who Are At Risk Of Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders can impact individuals of any age, race, body type, and gender. Even those who seem fit, like athletes, may struggle with these conditions. Individuals with eating disorders can be underweight, at a normal weight, or overweight. This means you cannot identify someone with an eating disorder just by their appearance.

Although the exact reasons behind eating disorders are not completely clear,  studies indicate that a combination of genetic, biological, behavioural, psychological, and social factors can increase your likelihood of developing one.

Eating Disorder Treatments

Finding and addressing these conditions early is key to achieving full recovery. Treatment for eating disorders may involve therapy, medical care and supervision, nutritional guidance, medications, or a combination of these methods.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy uses different methods to help people with eating disorders. It focuses on addressing irrational thoughts, negative feelings, and unhealthy behaviours related to the condition. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are typically used by professionals to help you improve eating habits, develop coping strategies to deal with stressors, and boost your mood. 

Medical Care And Monitoring

People with eating disorders can face serious health issues that might be life-threatening if not treated. Therefore, it is crucial to closely watch their weight, fluid and electrolyte levels, heart health, bone growth, nutrition, and vital signs. Sometimes, healthcare providers may suggest giving intravenous fluids or may need to provide food through a tube to help restore their nutrition.

Medication

There are no specific medications designed to treat eating disorders directly. However, some medications, particularly antidepressants, may be prescribed to manage some behaviors associated with eating disorders and to treat comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. When used alongside therapy, these medications can be helpful. 

Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder is characterised by recurring episodes of compulsive overeating, which are not followed by purging.

Nutritional Counselling

The main goal of this intervention is to prioritise health rather than weight. You might be directed to a nutritionist or dietitian to learn about proper nutrition and the significance of modifying your eating habits. Usually, you will be asked to keep a food diary to monitor what you eat and recognize triggers for unhealthy eating patterns.

Residential Treatment

Residential or inpatient treatment programs are necessary for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms of an eating disorder. These programs can take place in treatment facilities where they receive 24-hour support and care. The main focus of inpatient programs is on medical stabilisation, restoring weight, addressing unhealthy eating habits, and teaching coping strategies to deal with triggers. 

Outpatient Treatment

Some people with eating disorders do not require round-the-clock supervision but still need regular support from a treatment facility. Hence, they may visit an outpatient treatment facility where they can meet with a team of health experts from various fields as scheduled without needing to stay in a residential facility. This treatment option would still allow them to go to work, school, or attend other personal commitments and responsibilities while being treated. 

Get Your Eating Disorders Treated At PROMIS

Someone with an eating disorder might feel stressed, anxious, embarrassed, or scared when beginning recovery. Some may not fully accept their problems, while others might think they have it under control, even if they don’t. 

Getting help early can lessen the risk of potential physical and mental health problems. If you see any signs or symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to get professional help right away instead of waiting for things to get worse. 

Reach out to us at PROMIS to find out how we can support your recovery and help you regain your mental wellness. 

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