What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and weight. These disorders can severely affect a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to function in daily life. Eating disorders can occur in people of all ages, genders, and body types, and they are often rooted in a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and cultural factors.

The most common types of eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use) to prevent weight gain.
• Binge-Eating Disorder: Marked by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often in a short period, followed by feelings of shame, distress, or guilt. Unlike bulimia, individuals do not engage in purging behaviors after a binge.

What are the signs of Eating Disorders?
The symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the specific type, but common warning signs include:

• Physical Symptoms:

  • Noticeable weight fluctuations (weight loss, weight gain, or maintaining a very low body weight)
  • Dizziness, fainting, or weakness
  • Dry skin, hair loss, or thinning hair
  • Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, or acid reflux
  • Frequent sore throats, dental erosion (in the case of bulimia)

• Behavioral Symptoms:

  • Preoccupation with food, dieting, calories, and body weight
  • Skipping meals, eating in secret, or developing unusual eating rituals
  • Excessive exercise, even when injured or tired
  • Avoiding social situations involving food
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals (a potential sign of purging)

• Emotional Symptoms:

  • Distorted body image (believing you are overweight despite being underweight)
  • Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat”
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety related to eating or body image
  • Perfectionism or obsessive control over aspects of life beyond food and weight

How are Eating Disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosing an eating disorder involves a thorough assessment by a mental health professional. At Angels Mental Health, our evaluation process is holistic and covers the following steps:

1. Clinical Interview:
   A detailed discussion about your eating habits, thoughts about food and body image, and any physical symptoms. We also review your mental health history, including any past experiences with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

2. Medical Examination:
   Since eating disorders can have serious physical health implications, a medical examination is often necessary to assess any damage to the body caused by disordered eating behaviors. Blood tests, bone density tests, and other physical exams may be performed to determine the extent of the disorder’s impact.

3. Psychological and Behavioral Assessments:
   Standardized assessments and diagnostic tools are used to evaluate the severity of the eating disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

4. Family and Social History:
   Eating disorders often have complex origins, and understanding the patient’s family dynamics, social environment, and cultural influences is key to developing an effective treatment plan.

How are Eating Disorders treated?
At Angels Mental Health, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating eating disorders, combining medical, psychological, and nutritional support to help individuals recover. Our treatment plan is customized based on the type and severity of the eating disorder, and it typically involves the following components:

1. Medical Management:

   • Medical Stabilization: For individuals with severe eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, medical treatment may be necessary to stabilize body weight, correct nutritional deficiencies, and address any life-threatening physical complications.
   • Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ups ensure that physical health markers, such as weight, heart function, and electrolyte levels, are closely monitored throughout the recovery process.

2. Psychotherapy:

   • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders. It helps individuals identify and change distorted thoughts about food, body image, and self-worth. Patients learn healthier coping strategies and gradually work towards normalizing their eating patterns.
   • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships. This therapy is especially helpful for those with binge-eating disorder or bulimia who struggle with impulse control and self-regulation.
   • Family-Based Therapy (FBT): For adolescents and young adults, FBT involves the family in treatment, empowering parents and loved ones to support the patient’s recovery by providing a structured and supportive environment.
   • Trauma-Informed Therapy: Many individuals with eating disorders have a history of trauma. Trauma-informed care acknowledges the role that past trauma may play in disordered eating and focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment for healing.

3. Nutritional Counseling:

   • Meal Planning: Our registered dietitians work with patients to develop balanced, individualized meal plans that promote healthy eating habits and restore physical well-being.
   • Nutritional Education: Patients learn about proper nutrition and the role of food in physical and emotional health. Education helps demystify the fears and misconceptions surrounding food and eating.
   • Recovery Support: Nutritional counseling supports patients in making gradual changes to their eating patterns and building a healthier relationship with food over time.

4. Supportive Care and Telehealth Services:

   • Ongoing Support: Recovery from an eating disorder is a long-term process. We offer continued support through individual and group therapy, as well as access to online resources and telehealth consultations for patients who may not be able to attend in-person sessions.
   • Relapse Prevention: We provide strategies to help patients recognize triggers, cope with setbacks, and maintain long-term recovery. Support groups and aftercare services are also available for ongoing guidance.

At Angels Mental Health, we understand that eating disorders are deeply complex and can be life-threatening. Our compassionate team is committed to helping individuals overcome these challenges and rebuild a healthy, balanced life through expert care and support. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we are here to provide the guidance and treatment necessary for a full recovery.