Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorder therapy include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
At Thriveworks, Eating disorder therapy begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.
CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.
The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.
In the US around 30 million people suffer from anorexia and bulimia, according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. These disorders are life threatening and even potentially deadly, but the good thing is that they are also preventable and even curable.
However, the same association places the figures of sufferers who get access to proper treatment and care at only 10 percent across the country, including Peachtree City. Proper treatment is essential, any less and those “treatments” can end up in disaster.
Anorexia and Bulimia: The Underlying Causes
What causes anorexia and bulimia? It’s actually more complex than previously thought. What was initially thought of as just the result of low self-esteem coupled with obsession over the body figure is now proving to be caused by a host of other reasons.
- Genes can be a major influence when it comes to these disorders. You are 12 times more likely to develop them if one member or more than one member of your family already has them. Your genes can also influence how you perceive food.
- Mental health issues also play a part where chances of eating disorders are concerned. Anorexia and bulimia are both classic symptoms of depression. Although it should also be pointed out those suffering from these disorders can have depressive symptoms brought on by totally different factors.
- Trauma can also cause disorders, especially if one has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Even experiences that caused shame, guilt, or destroyed one’s confidence can also cause these.
- Readily available diet pills or weight-loss pills can also contribute to eating disorders.
- Environmental influences like peer pressure can also cause these eating disorders.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Fixation over one’s body image
- Episodes of binge eating followed by purging
- Totally avoiding food
- Following a strict diet over a long period of time to lose weight (which often results in loss of essential nutrients)
- Feeling the need to watch one’s weight
- Feeling shame or guilt after eating
Challenges and How to Get Bulimia Therapy
If you think anorexia and bulimia should not be taken seriously, think again. They can lead to a host of other problems.
Poor eating habits will lead to long-term nutrient loss, which can have disastrous consequences. You can become susceptible to scurvy and even more serious illnesses like stroke, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Eating disorders also have a tendency to lead sufferers into an endless cycle of guilt, shame, and depression; cycles that have been linked to suicide, according to studies.
Food is everywhere; it’s something you cannot avoid, so a struggle against eating disorders is likely to fail without the proper guidance and help. This is something we can provide for you if you happen to be in Peachtree City. Eating disorders can ruin more than your life, don’t them get that far. We have counselors who are ready to listen to you and guide you through this very difficult time in your life.