Eating Disorders

Mental disorders that cause irregular eating habits as well as extreme concern or distress about body shape or weight are known as eating disorders. These disorders are actually quite serious and can even be fatal. Patients who are afflicted with an eating disorder will likely have obsessions with food and body weight. Eating disorders are often misunderstood, and there tends to be a misconception that people should just be able to “eat regularly”. However, for those who have an eating disorder, it isn’t that simple.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are different types of eating disorders that have different effects on the patients. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorder treatment should be approached from a holistic standpoint. Typically, a person with an eating disorder will turn to a team that consists of medical physicians, therapists and nutritionists for complete care. Treatment for anorexia, treatment for bulimia or treatment for binge-eating disorder will usually involve medical care, nutrition, therapy and/or medications.
- Medical care – When a person begins treatment for an eating disorder, the first thing that needs to be addressed is any health issues that may exist as a result of the eating disorder. For example, in the case of binge-eating, diabetes or high blood pressure may need to be treated.
- Nutrition – A nutrition plan is usually developed by an experienced nutritionist to help the patient restore a healthy weight, stabilize, have guidance for normal eating and begin an individualized meal plan.
- Therapy – When eating disorders are treated, individual psychotherapy is encouraged. Family and/or group therapy may also be beneficial.
- Medications – Some medications may help with mood or anxiety symptoms that occur as a result of an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
Eating disorders and substance use disorders often go hand-in-hand. In some cases, methamphetamines and amphetamines are abused because they cause weight loss. An important aspect of treating an eating disorder when a substance use disorder is also present will involve a drug or addiction rehab center that treats co-occurring disorders.
The Recovery Village Ridgefield is an example of such a facility. Our facility even has a nutritionist on staff that works with patients who have eating disorders specially, which makes us one of the most respected facilities in the Washington and Oregon area. If you are suffering from substance misuse as well as an eating disorder, now is the time to seek treatment. Call us today and have a confidential conversation with one of our compassionate addiction specialists. Help is available to you; you don’t have to suffer any longer.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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360.605.1883Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Codependency
Depression
Eating Disorders
Gambling
OCD
PTSD
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Self-Harm
Stress