Our therapists offer eating disorder therapy in Richmond, VA

Anorexia or Bulimia in Richmond, VA—Counseling and Treatment

Eating disorders are characterized by a distorted view of one’s own body shape and size along with irregular, compulsive, and unhealthy eating habit. Some may mischaracterize them as a pick or finicky stage in a teen’s life, but they are harmful, possibly even deadly, psychiatric disorders.

Fortunately, there are effective interventions. Psychological treatments and medical treatments can be combined and tailored to individual needs. Getting started may be as simple as asking for help. If you are struggling with disordered eating, know that the therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks Richmond are ready to help. We have helped many people find the holistic treatment they need to break free from anorexia or bulimia. Reach out today to get started.

Identifying Anorexia and Bulimia

There are many types of eating disorders, but anorexia and bulimia may be the most well-known. Abnormal eating habits and acute anxiety about one’s body weight are symptoms of any eating disorder. They typically surface during teen or young adult years, but people of all ages can have an eating disorder, as can both men and women. PTSD, other anxiety disorders, and depression often co-occur with eating disorders.

Anorexia and bulimia share many characteristics, but they are separate disorders and diagnoses. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) identifies anorexia nervosa (most often called simply anorexia) with the following characteristics:

• Irrational and severe fear of weight gain that leads a person to obstruct healthy weight maintenance and gain.
• Feelings of disgust for one’s body weight and size with an inability to perceive one’s low body weight.
• Intentionally reducing food consumption so that a substantially lower body weight results (in relationship to healthy standards for one’s age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health).

The DSM-5 identifies bulimia nervosa (most often called simply bulimia) with the following characteristics:

• One’s body weight and size dominates one’s self-perception.
• Repeated times of binge eating that involve…
  • Eating more food than most people could eat during the same circumstances and time period.
  • Losing control over food consumption during the binge.
• Repeated behaviors that attempt to compensate for food intake such as self-induced vomiting; misuse of medications such as diuretics and laxative; fasting too long and too often; exercising in an extreme manner.

How Do Anorexia and Bulimia Develop?

The specific causes that may lead to anorexia and bulimia developing in a person are often person and even intimate. Each case is unique. And yet, mental health professionals speak generally about two categories into which these causes fall: environmental causes and biological causes:

1. There are many examples of environmental causes, including living in an environment engrossed with unrealistic beauty, thinness, and body type; childhood trauma; peer pressure to appear a particular way; family trauma.
2. There are many examples of biological causes, including a genetic predisposition, irregular hormone functions, and nutritional deficiencies.

Treating Anorexia and Bulimia at Thriveworks Richmond

Thriveworks Richmond provides treatment for anorexia and bulimia. Our therapists and psychologists offer holistic care, and we have helped many clients receive the psychological and medical care they need.

Calling to schedule treatment can feel overwhelming, and we want to give each client support, even from the first time they dial our office. If you call to schedule therapy for anorexia and bulimia, a person will answer and find an appointment that is convenient for you. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and many clients see their counselor within the week of their first call. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Effective interventions for bulimia and anorexia are available. You do not have to fight them by yourself. Call Thriveworks Richmond to get started.