Eating disorders involve much more than food or weight; they are psychological conditions that negatively impact physical and emotional health.
As you read below, keep in mind that the symptoms are different for each disorder, so not all may be applicable. This overview is meant to help you recognize behaviors that could indicate a problem.
Recognizing the Symptoms
- Preoccupied Mind: Obsessive thoughts of food, body shape, or weight that disrupt daily life.
- Irregular Eating Patterns: Meal skipping, binge eating, or following extreme diets.
- Extreme Weight Changes: Noticeable fluctuations in weight due to irregular eating patterns.
- Distorted Body Image: Negative or unrealistic body perception.
- Compulsive Exercises: Excessive exercising to control weight.
- Social Isolation: Withdrawal from friends and family to be more secretive.
- Emotional Instability: Depression, anxiety, and extreme mood swings.
- Physical Symptoms: Sleep problems, dizziness, digestive issues, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, and impaired immune system.
Understanding the Different Types
Identifying the disorder is a crucial step towards treatment. The conditions are numerous with varying characteristics, such as:
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by excessive weight loss, a distorted body image, and an extreme fear of gaining weight. The individual typically follows an excessive exercise routine, dressing in layers to hide weight loss while frequently commenting on their body being fat.
Bulimia Nervosa
Involves episodes of binge eating large amounts of food in a short time, followed by behaviors of compensation such as excessive exercise, laxative use, or forced vomiting, which is often coupled with hardening finger joints due to the induced vomiting.
Binge Eating Disorder
This condition also involves episodes of high food consumption in a short time, often lacking control over eating and feeling guilty and ashamed. The individual typically has no planned meal times and stores a big amount of snacks in strange places.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Individuals with ARFID often have a short list of preferred foods that becomes even shorter with time. Generally, they have no distorted body image or fear of gaining weight, but fear of choking or vomiting instead.
Getting Help
Treatments
- Therapy: Includes cognitive-behavioral therapy which focuses on changing distorted thoughts and related behaviors.
- Nutritional Guidance: Helps with developing healthy eating habits and resolving health issues caused by being under or overweight.
- Medication: It may not cure the disorder as a whole, but medication is often prescribed to manage mental health conditions and control behaviors like binge eating.
Support Systems
Besides professional help, a good support network is necessary during recovery. Available options include joining one of the support groups or engaging family members in the processes of treatment. Their understanding and encouragement might make all the difference.
Remember: Eating disorders are completely treatable. Seeking professional help is a brave step towards recovery and a healthier body, mind, and soul!
[1] nationaleatingdisorders.org, HYPERLINK “https://nationaleatingdisorders.org/warning-signs-and-symptoms/”Warning Signs and Symptoms.
[2] mcpress.mayoclinic.org, All about eating disorders: Symptoms, treatments and how to find help.
[3] bestofyou.ca, Demystifying Eating Disorders: Types, Causes, and Symptoms.
