Is An Eating Disorder A Mental Disorder

Eating Disorder Assumptions You Got Wrong

You dont have to be anorexic to have an Eating disorder;

This is ultimately a mistaken assumption around Eating disorders!! There are thousands of people around the world that are far from anorexic, myself included, and still have an Eating disorder.;

Granted, anorexia is a huge part of an Eating disorder for many along with other symptoms. But everything is always based on the assumption that an Eating disorder stems from people wanting to be skinny.;

Having an Eating disorder doesnt mean that a person will make themselves sick.;Another assumption that frustrates me. There is a separate disorder such as bulimia in which the person will make themselves sick after eating to not store the calories etc. But you can have issues with food without being bulimic. Granted that some people have more than one form of an eating disorder, but this doesnt include everyone.;

There is more than one single Eating Disorder;

A lot of people think there is only 1 Eating disorder when in fact there are several. Such as ;

All of which are just as serious as each other.;

If you have an Eating disorder it means you want to just be skinny

Having an Eating disorder is a choice;

I can not stress enough how wrong this is. This is not a choice. It may start as a choice for some but, it will soon become uncontrollable and, will be an impulse that is a part of your everyday life. Others, like myself, often dont even realize that they have one.;

Thanks for taking the time to read through!!;

Unloading The Gun And Getting Help

Like all patients with mental illnesses, those with eating disorders cant simply snap out of it; it takes help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, call the NEDA Helpline Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST at 1-800-931-2237 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.

Tonight, the Empire State Building will be illuminated with blue and green lights, the colors of the National Eating Disorders Association. Grefe sees this as a major milestone and further confirmation by the public that eating disorders as serious conditions that warrant attention and research funding.

Whats The Connection Between Eating Disorders And Mental Health

Did you know that many individuals who have an eating disorder often struggle with a co-occurring mental health condition, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or depression? In fact, eating disorders often develop as coping mechanisms for many of these conditions. Is there a link between eating disorders and other mental health problems?

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Taking Action For Change

Learn more about the different types of eating disorder

There are different types of eating disorder – including binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other specified feeding or eating disorder . Each one has specific characteristics and potentially different treatments. Anyone, regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity, can develop an eating disorder.

Psychotherapy can be effective

Psychotherapy can be used to help control and reshape your behaviours, emotions, and patterns of thinking. Sessions are usually run by a psychologist. However, these approaches may also be used by other health professionals including psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and counsellors.

Nutritional management is an important part of recovery

Nutritional management ensures you are getting enough nourishment and helps you develop healthy eating habits, thoughts, and behaviours. A nutritionist or a dietitian will usually support you in managing your diet and will help you with meal planning. Apps like Recovery Record;can be a useful way for you and your treatment team to manage your daily nutrition.

Family approaches are common for younger people

For younger people, early intervention approaches that involve your whole family in understanding the disorder and supporting your recovery have been shown to be most effective. Family approaches can also be effective for adults and bring together family or close friends as part of a support network. ;

Developing coping strategies

How Might Eating Problems Affect My Life

Eating problems are not just about food. They can be about difficult things and painful feelings. You may be finding these hard to express, face or resolve.

Focusing on food can be a way of hiding these feelings and problems, even from yourself. Eating problems can affect you in lots of ways.

You might feel:

• scared of other people finding out.

You might find that:

• it’s hard to concentrate on your work, studies or hobbies
• controlling food or eating has become the most important thing in your life
• it’s hard to be spontaneous, to travel or to go anywhere new
• your appearance is changing or has changed
• you are bullied or teased about food and eating
• you develop short- or long-term physical health problems
• you want to avoid socialising, dates and restaurants or eating in public
• you have to drop out of school or college, leave work or stop doing things you enjoy.

With friends, family or other people, you might feel that:

• you’re distant from those who don’t know how you feel, or who are upset they can’t do more to help
• they focus a lot on the effect eating problems can have on your body
• they only think you have a problem if your body looks different to how they think it should be
• they sometimes comment on your appearance in ways you find difficult
• they don’t really understand how complicated things are for you.

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Outcomes In Relation With Selected Kinds Of Treatment

Large-scale international reviews of scientific studies have concluded that psychotherapy is effective for numerous conditions.

One line of research consistently finds that supposedly different forms of psychotherapy show similar effectiveness. According to The Handbook of Counseling Psychology: “Meta-analyses of psychotherapy studies have consistently demonstrated that there are no substantial differences in outcomes among treatments”. The handbook states that there is “little evidence to suggest that any one psychological therapy consistently outperforms any other for any specific psychological disorders. This is sometimes called the after a scene/section in Alice in Wonderland where every competitor in a race was called a winner and is given prizes”.

Further analyses seek to identify the factors that the psychotherapies have in common that seem to account for this, known as ; for example the quality of the therapeutic relationship, interpretation of problem, and the confrontation of painful emotions.

Outcome studies have been critiqued for being too removed from real-world practice in that they use carefully selected therapists who have been extensively trained and monitored, and patients who may be non-representative of typical patients by virtue of strict inclusionary/exclusionary criteria. Such concerns impact the of research results and the ability to generalize from them to practicing therapists.

How Are Eating Disorders Treated

It is important to seek treatment early for eating disorders. People with eating disorders are at higher risk for suicide and medical complications. Some people with eating disorders may also have other mental disorders or problems with substance use.

Treatment plans for eating disorders include psychotherapy, medical care and monitoring, nutritional counseling, medications, or a combination of these approaches. Typical treatment goals include restoring adequate nutrition, bringing weight to a healthy level, reducing excessive exercise, and stopping binge-purge and binge-eating behaviors. Complete recovery is possible.

Specific forms of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral approaches can be effective for treating specific eating disorders. For more about psychotherapies, visit .

Research also suggests that medications may help treat some eating disorders and co-occurring anxiety or depression related to eating disorders. Information about medications changes frequently, so talk to your health care professional and check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for the latest warnings, patient medication guides, or newly approved medications.

How Do I Find Treatment?

The NIMH is a federal research agency and cannot provide medical advice or practitioner referrals. However, there are tools and resources available at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp that may help you find a provider or treatment.

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Could I Have An Eating Disorder

• Im always thinking about food, dieting and my weight
• I often avoid food even when I am hungry
• I feel guilty and ashamed after I eat
• I often feel out of control when I eat
• I feel better when I dont eat
• I will never be happy unless I reach my ideal weight
• I rarely/never get my menstrual period
• I often try to get rid of food by purging
• I experience physical signs that my body isnt getting enough nutrients, such as hair loss, dry skin, dizziness or lack of energy

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor

Avoidant/restrictive Food Intake Disorder

ARFID is when someone avoids certain foods, limits how much they eat or does both.

Beliefs about weight or body shape are not reasons why people develop ARFID.

Possible reasons for ARFID include:

• negative feelings over the smell, taste or texture of certain foods
• a response to a past experience with food that was upsetting, for example, choking or being sick after eating something
• not feeling hungry or just a lack of interest in eating

You can find out more about ARFID on the Beat website.

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What Are Some Examples Of Nimh Research

Eating disorders tend to run in families, so one example of NIMH-supported research involves the study of human genetics. Researchers are working to identify DNA variations that are linked to an increased risk of developing eating disorders. This research may help develop strategies for early detection.

Brain imaging studies are also providing a better understanding of eating disorders. For example, researchers have found differences in patterns of brain neurocircuitry and activity in people with eating disorders in comparison with healthy people. This research may lead to new or improved ways to diagnose and treat eating disorders.

How Can I Help A Loved One

Supporting a loved one who experiences an eating disorder can be very challenging. Many people feel upset or even frightened by their loved ones beliefs, behaviours, or state of well-being. An approach that focuses on support and understanding rather than control is best. Here are some tips to help you support a loved one:

• Remember that eating disorders are a sign of much bigger problems. Avoid focusing on food or eating habits alone.
• Be mindful of your own attitudes and behaviours around food and body image.
• Never force someone to change their eating habits or trick someone into changing.
• Avoid reacting to a loved ones body image talk or trying to reason with statements that seem unrealistic to you.
• If your loved one is an adult, remember that supporting help-seeking is a balance between your own concerns and their right to privacy.
• If your loved ones experiences are affecting other family members, family counselling may be helpful
• Dont be afraid to set boundaries and seek support for yourself.

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What I Wish People Knew About Eating Disorders And Mental Health

**Trigger warning, this post contains discussions around Eating disorders and mental health which could be triggering or upsetting**;

Eating disorders are being diagnosed more and more these days, especially in the younger generation. Ive read about children as young as 8 being body conscious. My daughter, aged 11, included. I honestly think a lot of the issue comes from the influence of social media.;

People dont really understand how Eating disorders and mental health go hand in hand. There is such a stigma that you have to be anorexic to have one which is far from the truth.

Below, Im going to share what I wish people knew about eating disorders and mental health as a pair.

Im not a medical expert, so, if you are struggling then please consult your GP. I am here to share my experiences with my own Eating disorder and mental health journey.

Other Specified Feeding Or Eating Disorder

The majority of those with eating disorders do not fall within the guidelines for anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder and are classified as OSFED. To be diagnosed as having OSFED a person must present with a feeding or eating behaviors that cause clinically significant distress and impairment in areas of functioning, but do not meet the full criteria for any of the other feeding and eating disorders.

A diagnosis might then be allocated that specifies a specific reason why the presentation does not meet the specifics of another disorder . The following are further examples for OSFED:

Medical Complications and Associated Features

• Weight loss or faltering growth

• Generalized emotional difficulties, sometimes referred to as food avoidance emotional disorder

• Mirroring of medical complications and associated features of anorexia nervosa

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Who Is At Risk For Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, body weights, and genders. Although eating disorders often appear during the teen years or young adulthood, they may also develop during childhood or later in life .

Remember: People with eating disorders may appear healthy, yet be extremely ill.

The exact cause of eating disorders is not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors can raise a persons risk.

What Are Common Signs And Symptoms

Symptoms vary, depending on the type of eating disorder.

• Feeling fat even if youre underweight
• Fixation on body image;
• Denial that youre too thin
• Dieting despite being thin
• Using diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics;
• Throwing up after eating;
• Obsession with calories, fat, and nutrition;
• Pretending to eat or lying about eating;
• Preoccupation with food

• Inability to stop eating or control what you eat
• Rapidly eating large amounts of food
• Eating even when youre full
• Hiding or stockpiling food to eat later in secret
• Eating normally around others, but gorging when youre alone
• Eating continuously throughout the day, with no planned mealtimes
• Feeling stress or tension that is only relieved by eating
• Embarrassment over how much youre eating
• Never feeling satisfied, no matter how much you eat
• Feeling guilty, disgusted, or depressed after overeating
• Desperation to control weight and eating habits

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International Classification Of Diseases

BED was first included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1994 simply as a feature of eating disorder. In 2013 it gained formal recognition as a psychiatric condition in the DSM-5.

The 2017 update to the American version of the includes BED under F50.81. may contain a dedicated entry , defining BED as frequent, recurrent episodes of binge eating which are not regularly followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain.

What Is An Eating Disorder

Eating disorders revolve around abnormal eating habits and often include physical changes.

For some, eating disorders involve limiting the amount of food that is consumed; for others, it involves uncontrollable eating. Some people with eating disorders become obsessed with diet and exercise. Others will eat large quantities of food and then vomit.

There is no single demographic at risk for eating disorders; theyre diseases that can occur in people of any gender, race, religion, or socio-economic background.

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Other Specified Feeding And Eating Disorder

Some people may present with many of the symptoms of other eating disorders, but will not meet the full criteria for that diagnosis. In these cases, the disorder may be classified as OSFED. This is not a less serious disorder than other eating disorders. All eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that cause significant emotional and physical distress.

For further information, the NECD provides informative fact sheets on eating disorders.;

It is important to remember that you cannot tell that a person has an eating disorder by their body weight. Eating disorders affect people of all shapes and sizes.

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How Eating Disorders Affect Mental Health

You need vitamins, minerals and calories to survive. When your body does not get enough nutrients, it becomes compromised. As a result, you can suffer problems with your gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, bones and heart. But, there are changes that take place in the brain, too.;

For instance, we can train our brains to respond to certain things in our lives without realizing it. Our beliefs then change our behaviors. As an example, if you believe that drinking tea in the morning makes you look prettier, the tea becomes a trigger stimulus for you to feel good. Eventually, the brain is trained to think that tea makes you beautiful.;

People with eating disorders have the same thing going on. They have trained their brains to associate food with being ugly or overweight. The sight of food makes them feel bad about themselves, and they use behaviors like restricting, binging or purging to minimize calories.;

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Types Of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

First on the eating disorders list is Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.

The following are common anorexia symptoms:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level
• Intense fear of weight gain or being âfatâ
• Feeling âfatâ or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
• Loss of menstrual periods

Information on the;treatment of anorexia.

How To Treat Eating Disorders

Fortunately, it is possible to successfully treat eating disorders. Treatment requires an organized approach to manage symptoms, return to a healthy weight and maintain good mental and physical health. To accomplish this, there needs to be a strong support team that includes a mental health professional, registered dietician and supportive family members.;

Specifically, here is what you can expect from a treatment plan:;

If you are concerned about an eating disorder in yourself or a loved one, contact Awakenings Treatment Center. Our clients benefit from our broad spectrum of evidence-based services that also address co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or addiction. With the right treatment, you can heal from your eating disorder.;

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