The Signs of an Eating Disorder and How FDH Can Provide Support
The Signs of an Eating Disorder and How FDH Can Provide Support
Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. They also can affect both men and women.
There are a variety of different types of eating disorders that a person can suffer from, and different signs to look out for. Below is information about common eating disorders, some signs to look out for, and how Front Door Health can provide behavioral health support for those suffering from an eating disorder.
Common Eating Disorders
It’s important to understand that an eating disorder isn’t just one thing. There are different types of eating disorders and various reasons behind the development of an eating disorder. For example, people commonly consider body dysmorphia as the only reason for an eating disorder, but there are also those with an eating disorder that is brought on by feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and even trauma.
Even body dysmorphia can be complicated. Many people think of people (especially women) looking to lose weight to look more like models and actresses on TV. While this is definitely the case for some, there are also men and women who try to reach unrealistic fitness standards created by bodybuilding competitions, superheroes in movies, and fitness influencers.
Body dysmorphia is complicated and can affect many different types of people—as can overeating, binge eating, and other forms of eating disorders.
With all of this in mind, below are some common eating disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
When people think of an eating disorder, the disorders that often come to mind are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both of these conditions induce weight loss, which is often the goal of those with the disorder. While weight loss overall often isn’t a bad thing, anorexia and bulimia involve unhealthy habits and extremes that go beyond general weight loss for health.
Anorexia is a condition in which the sufferer will withhold eating in a severe and dangerous way. Bulimia, on the other hand, involves the sufferer purging (throwing up) to prevent weight gain and induce weight loss. Sometimes these conditions occur together.
Binge-Eating Disorder and Compulsive Overeating
Binge-eating disorder and compulsive overeating involve the sufferer eating in excess either all at once or commonly throughout the day. Sometimes these conditions are in response to stress and depression triggers that lead to the person “eating their feelings.” This can create a food addiction in which the patient chases the feelings of comfort they get from eating.
Binge-eating sometimes co-occurs with bulimia in a cycle of overeating and purging. As binge-eating can trigger dopamine, some will binge eat on occasion, then purge to try and offset the consequences.
All of these disorders can be extremely serious and even life-threatening. For many, professional behavioral health treatment is the only solution to prevent the furthering of these conditions.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Eating disorders can be brought on by many things. Sometimes, other disorders can play a factor in the development of an eating disorder and can even worsen the condition. Some of these co-occurring disorders include:
· Depression
· Anxiety
· PTSD
· Body Dysmorphia
· Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
· Bipolar Disorder
· Substance Use
Substance use can tie closely with certain eating disorders, especially when it comes to amphetamines. “Uppers” can assist in stopping hunger cravings and can be very addictive on their own. Combine these drugs with an eating disorder and/or a mental health disorder and the results can be catastrophic.
Signs of an Eating Disorder
There are many signs of an eating disorder that you can look for in a loved one or yourself. Some of these signs include:
· Food restriction
· Significant overeating
· Losing significant amounts of weight
· A Preoccupation with weight and dieting
· Skipping meals or significantly cutting portions
· Binge eating
· Eating more while stressed, depressed, or anxious
· Dizziness
· Fainting
· Difficulty concentrating
· Sleep problems
· Consistent, ongoing heartburn
· Stomach cramps
· Feeling cold frequently
· Extreme concern with body shape, size, and composition
· Changes in mood
Contact Front Door Health for Support
If you believe your loved one or you have an eating disorder, reach out to Front Door Health for support.
Front Door Health provides concierge, judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off work. Our in-home treatment allows you to continue to meet your work, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
