Eating Disorder Symptoms
Eating Disorder Symptoms and Treatments
If you believe that someone you love is suffering from an eating disorder, it's important to know what eating disorder symptoms to look for. Call us any time, 24/7, at 1-800-941-5313. We have staff standing by to help you find the treatment you need. Call us toll-free today. Your call is completely confidential and vitally important, so don't delay, call now!
It can be hard to imagine, but eating disorders are more prevalent in the United States than Alzheimer's disease. Currently, according to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), there are over 10 million people suffering from eating disorder symptoms in this country alone. These people suffer from severe eating disorders that can drastically impair their health, and if left untreated, result in death.
Eating Disorder Symptoms - Anorexia Nervosa
People who suffer from anorexia nervosa are terrified of gaining weight. To combat that fear, they are prone to developing strange eating habits such as weighing their food before they eat and counting the calories at each meal. They also may avoid eating altogether or choose only to eat a very small amount of food. Anorexia nervosa patients may also exhibit compulsive exercising habits.
Eating Disorder Symptoms - Bulimia Nervosa
People with bulimia nervosa are likely to eat a very large amount of food, similar to binge eating, but once the meal is over, they will normally head to the bathroom and self-induce vomiting. Bulimia sufferers may also use laxatives or diuretics to help rid their bodies of the food or calories. Similar to anorexia patients, bulimics also have a tremendous fear of weight gain.
Eating Disorder Symptoms - Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is one of the more recently named disorders, but it's impact is just as severe as the more well-known conditions. Binge eating is defined as compulsive eating of food over very short periods of time. It can sometimes be referred to as a food addiction. The primary difference between binge eating and bulimia, is that people who binge choose not to purge. In most cases, the large meals are eaten in private, in very quick fashion. Once the meal is consumed, the individual will normally feel shame or guilt for having eaten so much food.
How are Eating Disorder Symptoms Used for Diagnosis?
There are certain criteria used for diagnosing an eating disorder. Here is how anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are diagnosed.
- Anorexia Nervosa - A person is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa when they:
- Weigh at least 15 percent below their medically normal weight
- Exhibits a fear of gaining weight
- Refuses to maintain a normal weight
- Sees themselves as fat even when they are not
- Misses at least three consecutive menstrual cycles (women of childbearing age)
- Bulimia Nervosa - An individual is diagnosed with bulimia nervosa when they:
- Experience at least two binge/purge episodes per week over the course of a minimum of three months
- Exhibits no control over their eating behavior
- Obsess over their weight or body shape
- Binge Eating Disorder - A person may be suffering from binge eating disorder if they:
- Have at least two binge eating episodes per week over a six month period
- Exhibits no control over their eating habits
Eating Disorder Treatments
In cases of anorexia nervosa, the first step of treatment is to get the individual back to a healthy weight. Sometimes, this may require hospitalization if the individual's health is poor. When the individual is physically stable, then the eating disorder treatment will continue with psychotherapy and family therapy sessions in an effort to discover the psychological reasons behind the disorder. Nutrition education plays a big part, as the individual basically has to re-learn how to eat healthy. Behavioral and group therapy has also shown to offer significant recovery benefits.
With bulimia sufferers, if they are also battling a drug or alcohol addiction, then the addiction is treated first. Once the addiction is under control, then the individual's eating disorder symptoms will be addressed. Often, medications may be prescribed, such as Prozac or other antidepressants. Therapy also plays a large role in the treatment of bulimia cases, specifically, psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Group and family therapy are also important components of a quality bulimia treatment plan.
People who are suffering from binge eating disorder will follow the same treatment course as someone with bulimia because, in essence, the eating disorder symptoms are very similar between the two. In fact, because of the recent specification of binge eating as its own unique eating disorder, research is still being performed to discover the effectiveness of certain treatment applications.
If you or someone you love is exhibiting eating disorder symptoms, it's time to get help NOW. For confidential assistance in locating safe and effective eating disorder treatment, please call the national eating disorder treatment helpline at 1-800-941-5313. GET HELP NOW! All calls are confidential and help is available 24 hours a day.
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