Eating Disorders/Body Image
People who suffer from eating disorders have a persistent pattern of dysfunctional eating or dieting behavior. These patterns cause significant emotional, physical and interpersonal distress. There are several types of eating disorders:
- Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, dissatisfaction with and distortion in the perception of body shape and size, and the absence of menstrual cycles.
- Bulimia nervosa is characterized by a long-term cycle of binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a discrete amount of time, with a sense of lack of control) and compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, using laxatives or excessive exercise, designed to compensate for the effects of binging.
- Like those who suffer from bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder have recurrent episodes of binge eating associated with a loss of control. However, they do not compensate for their overeating with behaviors such as vomiting, using laxatives or excessive exercise.
- Negative body image refers to a distorted perception of one's body size and shape, and feeling uncomfortable, ashamed and self-conscious about one's body. People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and obsession with weight loss.
The goal of treatment is to address the symptoms of the eating disorder, as well as the underlying psychological, interpersonal, and cultural forces that contribute to it. Clients receive care within an inpatient or day treatment program, or as outpatients in individual, group or family therapy. Nutritional counseling provided by licensed professionals with an expertise in eating disorders may also be a component of treatment. The involvement of a primary care physician may be necessary to manage medical complications caused by the eating disorder. Psychiatric medication is also prescribed in some cases.
