Where can I view comprehensive Eating Disorder Information? By Butterfly:
There are constantly questions being asked here about eating disorders and also a lot of wrong and potentially damaging information being thrown around. As eating disorders are a serious issue, I thought I’d take up the challenge to put together a comprehensive post that gives you all the basic details you may find helpful if you are concerned for your own health or that of a friend or family member.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
Description
Anorexia is categorised as excessive weight loss as the result of food intake restriction. This restriction is driven by the fear of being or becoming overweight despite the fact the sufferer may never have been overweight to begin with.
Anorexic’s tend to suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (see below) which means they will continue to see themselves as fat or overweight no matter how much weight they lose. Even when an anorexic may be able to see that they are painfully thin (which is uncommon but does happen) they may still “feel” fat and thus continue their behaviour.
Anorexia is first and foremost a mental illness that has severe physical symptoms. People often confuse Anorexia for extreme dieting, however Anorexia is rarely about being fat or wanting to lose weight and generally an indicator of much deeper issues.
Some common psychological issues that may be the cause of anorexia are:
Perfectionism
The feeling of losing control over one’s life
Low self esteem
Post traumatic Stress disorder ( 40% of eating disorders victims are believed to have been physically or sexually abused in the past)
The fear of growing up (wanting to keep the body as child like as possible)
Hatred of your body
Feelings of worthlessness
Depression
Medical professionals are beginning to realise that previous defining standards for anorexia are no longer accurate. To be clinically diagnosed as anorexic a patient usually had to have lost 25% of their body weight and have lost their menstrual cycle if they are female.
There is a growing understanding that anorexia is a mental illness not a physical disease and should be treated accordingly. Thus, if you are worried about someone take them to a doctor to start treatment as soon as possible as the sooner they get help the better chance they have of making a full recovery.
You also may be interested to know that anorexia is not always about being underweight. People who are overweight or obese may appear to be “normal” or “fat” but they still may have lost extreme amounts of weight through restrictive eating behaviours in a short amount of time which means they are struggling with the mental illness of anorexia.
Warning Signs/Symptoms
-Noticeable weight loss
-Becoming withdrawn
-Excessive exercise
-Fatigue
-Always being cold
-Muscle weakness
-Obsession with food, calories, recipes
-Excuses for not eating meals (ie. ate earlier, not feeling well)
-Unusual eating habits (ie. cutting food into tiny pieces, picking at food)
-Noticeable discomfort around food
-Complaining of being "too fat", even when thin
-Cooking for others, but not eating themselves
-Restricting food choices to only diet foods
-Guilt or shame about eating
-Depression, irritability, mood swings
-Evidence of vomiting, laxative abuse, diet pills or diuretics to control weight
-Irregular menstruation
-Amenorrhea(loss of menstruation)
-Wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss
-Frequently checking weight on scale
-Fainting spells and dizziness
-Difficulty eating in public
-Very secretive about eating patterns
-Pale complexion (almost a pasty look)
-Headaches
-Perfectionistic attitude
-Feelings of self worth determined by what is or is not eaten
-No known physical illness that would explain weight loss
Physical Complications of Anorexia
-Fatigue and lack of energy
-Amenorrhea(loss of menstruation)
-Skin problems
-Dizziness and headaches
-Dehydration
-Shortness of breath
-Irregular heartbeats
-Bloating
-Constipation
-Hair loss
-Stomach pains
-Decreased metabolic rate
-Edema (water retention)
-Lanugo(fine downy hair)
-Loss of bone mass
-Kidney and liver damage
-Electrolyte imbalances
-Osteoporosis
-Insomnia
-Anemias
-Infertility
-Depression
-Cathartic colon(caused from laxative abuse)
-Low potassium (most common cause of nocturnal cardiac arrest)
-Cardiac arrest and death
-severe sensitivity to the cold
-fertility problems/infertility
-kidney dysfunction
-reduced metabolic rate leading to slow heart rate, low blood pressure, reduced body temperature and bluish coloured extremities
-muscle wasting or weakness
-constipation or diarrhoea
-hormonal irregularities
-oedema (retention of body fluid giving a ‘puffy’ appearance)
-easy bruising
-anaemia (iron deficiency)
-fainting
-heartburn
-stunting of height/growth
-hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) which can cause confusion, illogical thinking, coma, shakiness, irritability and fatigue
-reduced concentration, memory and thinking ability
BULIMIA NERVOSA
Bulimia is categorised by a cycle of binge eating followed by a cycle of purging to remove unwanted calories from the body.
What is Binging?
Binging is something each bulimic defines for themselves. For some it will be 10,000 calories-eating entire loaves of bread, boxes of cereal, bags of chips, litres of ice cream in a sitting. For others, a binge will be considered a chocolate or even a piece of toast.
What is purging?
Purging can be any of the following
-Self induced vomiting
-Excessive consumption of diet pills
-Excessive consumption of laxatives
-Over-exercising/Obsessive exercising
-Diuretics
-Excessive fasting/starvation
Bulimia is a problem that is just as serious as Anorexia and many sufferers exhibit symptoms of both anorexia and bulimia in a hybrid disorder termed “bulexia”. Bulexia is someone who may restrict what they are eating but still purge or someone who may binge on 10, 000 calories and then not eat for 5 days.
Warning Signs
-Binge eating
-Secretive eating (food missing)
-Bathroom visits after eating
-Vomiting
-Laxative, diet pill or diuretic abuse
-Weight fluctuations (usually with 10-15 lb range)
-Swollen glands
-Broken blood vessels
-Harsh exercise regimes
-Fasting
-Mood swings
-Depression
-Severe self-criticism
-Self-worth determined by weight
-Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
-Self-deprecating thoughts following eating
-Fatigue
-Muscle weakness
-Tooth decay
-Irregular heartbeats
-Avoidance of restaurants, planned meals or social events
-Complains of sore throat
-Need for approval from others
-Substance abuse
-Ipecac abuse
Physical Complications
-Fatigue and lack of energy
-Amenorrhea(loss of menstruation) and irregular menstruation
-Dizziness
-Headaches
-Dehydration
-Constipation and diarrhea
-Shortness of breath
-Irregular heartbeats
-Depression
-Tears of oesophagus
-Hair loss
-Stomach pain and bloating
-Erosion of teeth enamel
-Chronic sore throat
-Kidney and liver damage
-Parotid gland enlargement
-Electrolyte imbalances
-Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse)
-Odema (swelling of hands and feet)
-Low blood pressure
-Chest pains
-Development of peptic ulcers and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
-Gastric dilation and rupture
-Abrasions on back of hands and knuckles
-Anemia
-Cardiac arrest and death
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by consuming large quantities of food in a very short period of time until the individual is uncomfortably full. Binge eating disorder is much like bulimia except the individuals do not use any form of purging (i.e. vomiting, laxatives, fasting, etc.) following a binge.
Individuals usually feel out of control during a binge episode, followed by feelings of guilt and shame. Many individuals who suffer with binge eating disorder use food as a way to cope with or block out feelings and emotions they do not want to feel. Individuals can also use food as a way to numb themselves, to cope with daily life stressors, to provide comfort to themselves or fill a void they feel within.
Warning Signs
-weight gain
-feeling out of control over eating
-low self-esteem
-depression
-anxiety
-experiences fluctuations in weight
-loss of sexual desire
-hiding food
-feelings of guilt and shame
-disgusted with self
-going on many different diets
-belief that life will be better if they lose weight
-secretive eating patterns
-avoidance of social situations where food will be present
-suicidal thoughts
Physical Complications/Side Effects
-obesity
-menstrual irregularities
-diabetes
-high blood pressure
-high cholestrol
-osteoarthritis
-decreased mobility
-shortness of breath
-heart disease
-liver and kidney problems
-cardiac arrest and/or death
Compulsive Over Eating Disorder
Compulsive overeating is characterized by uncontrollable eating and consequent weight gain. Compulsive overeaters use food as a way to cope with stress, emotional conflicts and daily problems. The food can block out feelings and emotions. Compulsive overeaters usually feel out of control and are aware their eating patterns are abnormal. Like bulimics, compulsive overeaters do recognize they have a problem.
Compulsive overeating usually starts in early childhood when eating patterns are formed. Most people who become compulsive eaters are people who never learned the proper way to deal with stressful situations and used food instead as a way of coping. Fat can also serve as a protective function for them, especially in people that have been victims of sexual abuse. They sometimes feel that being overweight will keep others at a distance and make them less attractive. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, there is a high proportion of male overeaters.
The more weight that is gained, the harder they try to diet and dieting is usually what leads to the next binge, which can be followed by feelings of powerlessness, guilt, shame and failure. Dieting and bingeing can go on forever if the emotional reasons for the bingeing is not dealt with.
In today's society, compulsive overeating is not yet taken seriously enough. Instead of being treated for the serious problem they have, they are instead directed to diet centers and health spas and called fat instead of recognised as being the sufferer of eating disorder. Like anorexia and bulimia, compulsive overeating is a serious problem and can result in death.
Warning Signs
-Binge eating
-Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
-Depression
-Self-deprecating thoughts following binges
-Withdrawing from activities because of embarrassment about weight
-Going on many different diets
-Eating little in public, while maintaining a high weight
-Believing they will be a better person when thin
-Feelings about self based on weight
-Social and professional failures attributed to weight
-Feeling tormented by eating habits
-Weight is focus of life
Physical/Medical Complications
-Weight gain
-Hypertension or fatigue
-Heart ailments
-Mobility problems
-Diabetes
-Arthritis
-Sciatica
-Varicose veins
-Hiatal hernia
-Embolism
-Sleep depravation
-Toxemia during pregnancy
-High blood pressure
-Shortness of breath
-High Cholesterol levels
-Cardiac arrest and death
EATING DISORDER NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED (EDNOS)
Not all Eating Disorders fit within the above categories which is why we have the term EDNOS.
An Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is a term used when the sufferer clearly has disordered eating, yet does not meet some of the diagnostic criteria for any one specific condition. This is also sometimes known as an "atypical" eating disorder. For example, a person could show all of the psychological signs of anorexia and be losing weight, but is still menstruating and is not yet underweight for their height.
The term "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" comes about because a doctor, when making an assessment of a patient, only has certain diagnostic criteria to go by. If the patient meets some but not all of the criteria, he may diagnose an EDNOS.
DANGEROUS METHODS ASSOCIATED WITH EATING DISORDERS
Ipecac Syrup
Many people with eating disorders abuse a syrup called Ipecac to help induce vomiting. Ipecac should only be used in cases of accidental poisoning. Repeated use can cause the heart muscle to weaken. It can cause irregular heartbeats, chest pains, breathing problems, rapid heart rate and cardiac arrest. Ipecac is very dangerous and it has been the cause of death in many people suffering with an eating disorder. If you are using this, I would urge you to speak to your doctor immediately.
Laxatives
Stimulant laxatives such as Ex-Lax and Correctol are the most common laxatives used by someone with an eating disorder. Laxatives have little or no effect on reducing weight because by the time they work, the calories have already been absorbed. The person usually feels like they have lost weight because of the amount of fluid that is lost. That feeling is only temporary because the body will start to retain water within a 48 to 72 hour period. This usually leaves the person feeling bloated and fearing they are gaining weight. This is usually what leads to repeated use of these products. Laxative abuse can cause bloody diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Many people find that after prolonged use they cannot move their bowels without them. The person may also experience constipation, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Laxative abuse is very dangerous, can lead to permanent damage to the bowels, severe medical complications and even death.
Laxatives are not always used for the sole purpose of trying to rid the body of calories that have been consumed. Just like vomiting is used as a way for someone to release built up feelings and emotions, laxatives can also be used for the same reason. A person may also abuse laxatives as a way to harm themselves. The physical pain resulting from laxative abuse may be a reason that a person continues to use them. They may believe they deserve the pain or they may find that dealing with physical pain is easier then dealing with emotional pain.
Diuretics (water pills)
Diuretics are much like laxatives in the sense that they give the person a feeling of weight loss. When taken, a person will only lose vital fluids and electrolytes. Within a day or two the body will react and start to retain water, which is usually what causes a person to use them repeatedly. Abuse of diuretics usually leads to dehydration which can cause kidney damage. Electrolyte imbalances can occur from repeated use which is very serious. Your body's electrolytes need to be in balance in order for your organs, such as the heart, kidney and liver, to function properly. Once the electrolytes go out of balance, the person is at a very high risk for heart failure and sudden death. Diuretics do not cause weight loss, but repeated use can cause serious medical complications.
Diet Pills
The sale of diet pills continue to be on the rise in North America. Many people are lead to believe that they are a safe and effective way to lose weight. Most diet pills on the market are not safe, can cause serious side effects and have resulted in death. Popular diet pills such as Acutrim and Dexatrim contain a combination of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine. Phenylpropanolamine is a stimulant and effects the central nervous system. It can produce symptoms such as increased heart rate, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, dry mouth and diarrhea. Fenfluramine (Fen-Phen) is also found in many diet pills and it is quite popular. Like all diet pills, it stimulates the central nervous system and can be addictive. Its side effects can include diarrhea, high blood pressure, dry mouth, rash, palpitations and chest pains. Most doctors that prescribe Fen-Phen ignore the manufacturers warnings about who should use these pills and how long they should be taken. People using them are usually not informed of the warnings either. The manufacturer of Fen-Phen states that it should only be used in treating obesity and when the persons weight is at a point where it is a serious threat to their health. Many doctors claim that Fen-Phen is safe and can be taken for life. The manufacturer says these pills should not be taken for more than 3 months. Taking them for any longer can put you at risk for developing Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, a rare but generally fatal lung disease. The life expectancy for someone that develops Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is less than 3 years. Ephedrine is found in many diet pills and food supplements and is probably the most dangerous. It has been linked to many deaths from heart attacks, seizures and strokes. Its side effects can include irregular and rapid heart rates, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pains, breathing problems, headaches, anxiety and cardiac arrest.
Diet pills are not an effective or healthy way to lose weight. They are very dangerous and can lead to serious medical problems and death.
WHAT IS PRO-ANOREXIA?
Pro Anorexia is an online movement made up of websites, chat rooms and message boards that support anorexia. They are typically created by women and girls who currently suffer from anorexia and are looking for support.
Unlike websites designed to help remove anorexia tendancies, pro anorexia websites are created to help support anorexia and negative body image. The pro anorexia websites typically contain online journals, tips and tricks for successful anorexia, pictures of thin women, quotations, and chat rooms or message boards where the women can communicate.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM
Do I have an eating problem?
One of the hardest steps to take when you have an eating disorder is to admit it to yourself. Generally speaking if thoughts about food are consuming a lot of your time, or you are unhappy around food and eating issues, then it is enough of an issue to do something about.
Eating disorders are not uncommon in our community. Many people live with these disorders for long periods of time without treatment or a clinical diagnosis. Although the onset of an eating disorder is usually during adolescence, the reality is that these disorders affect all age groups, both genders and people from a range of backgrounds and different cultures.
Eating disorders vary in their severity. Although not all people may fall into a clinical definition of an eating disorder, people may still have problems with their eating and thought patterns, which cause them physical and psychological damage. Similarly, people may develop problems with their eating patterns that may later develop into an eating disorder.
If you think it is a problem then do something about it!!
Telling Someone
Once you have admitted to yourself that you have an eating disorder, you are faced with another step; to seek support. Telling someone can be very difficult especially for the first time. You may feel embarrassed, guilty or ashamed. Possibly, you may also feel afraid of the person’s reaction.
Although we can never predict someone else’s behaviour, we can spend hours wondering how they may react when we tell them. Often we think of a negative scenario, to prepare ourselves for the worst. However, the only way we are ever going to know how someone will react is if we take the risk to tell them. It can be useful to remind yourself of the benefits of telling someone, such as getting support and not having to hide a secret anymore.
It may be useful to consider who you would like to tell. It may be a friend, a family doctor, a family member, or a partner. People will have varying reactions; some may be surprised, uncomfortable, confused, or worried. Others may be angry, scared and unsure of what to say. Some may have seen the signs and are glad you have told them.
Remind yourself that they may need a few days to deal with their own feelings and reactions. If you have a negative experience telling someone, it is important that you don’t let this stop you from getting the professional help and support you deserve. Consider who else you may tell such as a friend, family member or professional.
Eating disorders are much easier to overcome and have a much higher rate of complete recover if you have the support of your family and friends!!
REMEMBER:
It's not your fault
It is absolutely, under no circumstances, your fault that you have an eating disorder. You didn't ask for it and you are not to blame.
Actually, I don't really need help...
Maybe your parents/family/friend say that you have an eating disorder but you don't think so? There is, of course, the possibility that you DON'T have an eating disorder, but your friends or loved ones must be concerned for a reason. You might be thinking to yourself, "I'm too fat to be anorexic", or "I only throw up a few times a week, that doesn't make me bulimic", or "I don't binge on nearly enough calories to be a binge-eater". Often we are in denial when we are suffering from eating disorders so trust those who love you.
You are not...
alone in your suffering - millions of people in the US alone have an eating disorder
weird or a nut case - you have an illness that is treatable just like any other
You are...
just as entitled to live a normal, healthy life as any other person
GOING TO RECOVER
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
Causes of Eating Disorders
There is no one single cause of eating disorders. It is currently agreed that eating disorders are multi factorial – with social/cultural, psychological, biological, family and precipitating factors all playing a part in varying degrees for different people.
Contributing factors may include:
Social/Cultural Factors
-idealisation of thinness
-focus on appearance
-weight loss, fashion, fitness cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries etc
-media representations of happy, thin, successful people
-socialisation of women and men
Family Factors
-There is no typical family ‘type,’ however, some family characteristics may need to be addressed during the recovery process such as:
-communication within the family/how family deals with feelings
-attitudes around the importance of appearance, achievement etc
-parent’s own body image/dieting behaviour
Biological Factors
-The importance of biological factors is still being researched. Possible factors include:
-predisposition to imbalances in serotonin (a neuro-transmitter involved in mood and brain function)
-reduced blood flow to the temporal lobe
-fasting, over-exercise and vomiting may affect chemicals involved in mood control
Individual Factors
-Not everyone exposed to cultural and family factors develops an eating disorder, therefore individual factors play an important role. Again, there is no one single cause, but some common experiences such as:
-people with high personal expectations
-belief that love is dependent on being ‘perfect’
-self-esteem issues
-high need for approval from others
-social anxiety
-people who find it difficult to express their own needs
-difficulty being assertive
-personality factors may be affected by malnutrition
Precipitating Factors
-Often the onset of an eating disorder can be triggered by an external factor such as:
-life crisis - family loss, friendship loss, moving to a new home, school or job, personal disappointment etc
-accumulation of minor stressors; the impact of cultural, family or individual factors may intensify during periods of stress
-dieting (link to further information)
-history of abuse
-uncertainty
Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders place tremendous emotional strain on people. Left unattended eating disorders can destroy the quality of a person’s life and are potentially life threatening.
-anxiety, anxiety disorders
-depression
-obsessive behaviour
-social isolation/withdrawal
-irritability/moodiness
-difficulty with relationships
-suicidal thoughts or behaviour
-drug misuse
-poor quality of life
-lack of assertiveness
-sensitivity to criticism
-guilt, self-dislike
-impaired achievement at school, work etc
APPROACHING SOMEONE YOU SUSPECT MAY HAVE A PROBLEM:
Determining if someone has an eating disorder can sometimes be difficult, especially if the person is secretive about his or her behaviour. However, if you have any concerns that something might be wrong, it is better to try and broach the issue with the person, rather than ignore it. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ ways to do this, however, there are some points to consider:
-Communicate with them. Be honest and open about your concerns. More damage can be done physically and psychologically to a person who lives with an eating disorder for a long time.
-Try to maximise the chances of a positive conversation. Use your knowledge of the person when deciding which is the best way to approach them.
-Assure them that you are talking about it because of your concern.
-Use ‘I’ statements rather than ‘You’ statements. ‘You’ statements can lead to the person feeling attacked.
-For example, ‘I am concerned for you because I have noticed you are not so happy at the moment’ rather than ‘You aren’t happy at the moment.’
-Offer information, so that the person has something to read later, perhaps a brochure or a list of services.
-Try to avoid using labelling or judgemental language. Focus on the person’s behavioural changes, rather than their weight, food consumption or physical appearance.
-For example, you might decide not to use the words eating disorder or bulimia but to talk more generally about moods, behaviour, isolation and your concerns about these.
-Choose a time when you are both feeling calm and are unlikely to have any distractions. Pick a safe and comfortable place.
-Be prepared for their emotional reaction, which may be one of anger, denial or relief.
-Anger – they may feel anger that their privacy has been threatened, that they have not been able to deal with the eating disorder on their own, that they are embarrassed or ashamed.
-Denial – they may deny there is a problem because they feel guilty or ashamed, they may feel protective about their eating disorder especially if it serves a purpose for them ie: a way of coping or feeling in control. Alternatively they may be confused because they have not yet identified themselves as having an eating disorder.
-Relief – they may feel relieved that someone has noticed and offered them support or help.
-Encourage them to seek professional help from counsellors, doctors, youth workers, community health centres, associations such as the EDFV.
-Encourage them to seek support from anyone that they feel comfortable with; friends, family, friends parents etc.
-Encourage them to see the benefits of a life without an eating disorder.
-Seek support for yourself.
If the person is truly endangering his or her life by their eating habits, family and friends may need to insist that professional help is sought.
This is a great guide for family and friends:http://www.hampsteadhospital.com/Media/Guide.pdf
PROFESSIONAL HELP
Medical Treatment
There are many physical complications that can result from an eating disorder. Left unattended, they can lead to serious health problems or death. It is important that physical health is monitored, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in the area of eating disorders. A medical examination may involve several tests, followed by treatment of any medical problems such as anaemia, heartburn, disturbances in heart rhythm, low bone density etc.
Nutritional Counselling/Advice
Dietitians or nutritionists may be useful in the treatment of eating disorders as education and establishment of a well-balanced diet are essential to recovery. Nutritional counselling and advice may be useful to help the person identify their fears about food and the physical consequences of not eating well. Education about the nutritional values of food can be beneficial particularly when the person has lost track of what ‘normal eating’ is. Dietitians or nutritionists may work in conjunction with other professionals.
Psychological Therapy
The basis of psychological treatment is in forming a trusting relationship with the therapist and addressing pertinent issues to the person such as the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that lead to the development and maintenance of the eating disorder. This may include issues with anxiety, depression, poor self esteem and self confidence, difficulties with interpersonal relationships and empowering the person to realise their own resources to overcome their difficulties.
Some particular models of psychological therapy that may be used in the treatment of eating disorders include:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy aims to identify the psychological stresses that may have contributed to the onset of the eating disorder. Through talking and other techniques (personal development exercises, etc) the aim of this process is to reduce the feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, negative body image and guilt etc and help people to develop their life skills.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT has become a popular form of treatment for people experiencing eating disorders. Based on the premise that thoughts and feelings are inter-dependent, CBT encourages people to re-examine and challenge existing thought and behaviour patterns. Challenging distorted or unhelpful ways of thinking can allow healthier behaviours to emerge.
In relation to eating disorders, CBT aims to change the way the person thinks about food and themselves. It aims to identify the characteristic thoughts that reinforce disordered eating behaviour and encourage more positive ways of thinking. Some thought patterns that CBT may challenge include black and white thinking, magnification (of importance of events etc) and errors in attribution (misunderstanding of the relationship between cause and effect).
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
IPT has been used successfully in the treatment of eating disorders, particularly bulimia and binge eating problems. IPT focuses on interpersonal difficulties in the person’s life which are considered to be the basis of the eating disorder. Generally, therapy involves three phases including the identification of interpersonal difficulties, the development of a contract to work on several specific issues and the assessment of changes. The therapy is usually medium term (16-20 weeks).
In the initial stage, the therapist will generally explore the history of eating problems, interpersonal relationships prior to and after the development of an eating disorder, significant life events and self-esteem and depression issues. Major problem areas are identified and typically fall into four categories; grief, role disputes with other people, role transitions and interpersonal skills. A therapeutic contract is developed between the client and the therapist based on the major problem areas in the person’s life.
Group Therapy
The main purpose of group therapy is to provide a supportive network of people who have similar issues to explore issues around their eating disorder. Groups may address many issues from alternative coping strategies, underlying issues, ways to change behaviours, triggers to personal needs and long-term goals. Groups are generally closed in attendance for a specific period of time (eg. 8 weeks).
Family therapy
Family therapy usually involves the people that are living with or are very close to the person with the eating disorder. This may involve parents, siblings and/or spouses. The family, as a unit, is encouraged to develop ways to cope with issues that may be causing concern including the eating disorder. The success of this treatment is dependent on the family being willing to participate and make changes to their behaviours. Family therapy can also offer education to other family members about the eating disorder and how better to support the person they care about. Overall the family is encouraged to develop healthy ways to deal with the eating disorder.
Family therapy also acknowledges that every family has issues that are difficult to deal with. As a part of a person’s recovery from an eating disorder, it can be useful to address issues in the family context such as conflict or tension between members, communication problems, difficulty expressing feelings, substance abuse or physical or sexual abuse.
Drug therapy
Drug therapy may be used to treat hormonal or chemical imbalances. In the treatment of eating disorders, anti-depressants belonging to the Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitor group (SSRI) such as zoloft, prozac, aropax and paxil are commonly prescribed.
Research suggests that anti-depressants such as prozac are useful in suppressing the binge/purge cycle, particularly for people with bulimia. For people experiencing anorexia nervosa, they may be useful in stabilising weight recovery. However, like all medications, not all anti-depressants work for everyone as people respond differently. Some people experience side effects in varying degrees of severity such as anxiety, nausea, loss of or increase in appetite, nervousness, insomnia, headaches, rashes, abnormal dreams and blood pressure changes.
The effectiveness of drug therapy increases when combined with other forms of therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Support Groups
Support groups differ from therapy groups in that they are intended to offer mutual support, increased understanding and information. Where a therapy group is generally closed in attendance and runs for a specified period (eg. eight weeks), support groups are generally open in attendance (people can attend as often as they wish) and meet on a regular basis (eg. fortnightly). Generally, support groups are not run by professionals, but by people who have had experience with the issue, either personally or indirectly.
Hypnosis
Traditional hypnotherapy typically involves a sleep-like state or altered state of consciousness usually induced by a therapist. It is based on the premise that during this altered state of consciousness, a person is more responsive to suggestions and has greater access to influential functions usually outside their conscious control. However, more recent theories of hypnosis may include role playing, story telling and interpersonal influence between the therapist and the client.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies can be useful for some people as an adjunct to pysychological, nutritional and medical treaments. For instance meditation can help with reducing anxiety levels or massage can help us to reconnect with our bodies. Each approach is different, however alternative therapies are generally concerned with treating the person as a whole, including their mental and physical health and may include:
Naturopathy
Herbal treatment aimed at stimulating the body to heal itself.
Acupuncture An ancient Chinese therapy using needles and herbs to stimulate the body’s energy flow.
Aromatherapy
Use of essential oils for relaxation and stress relief.
Meditation
Mental relaxation intended to create an inner calmness.
Homoeopathy
Aims to stimulate the body’s natural defences (anti-bodies) to illness, by introducing the problem substance into the body.
What is Recovery?
It can be useful to consider recovery as the process of healing, rather than an outcome. Many people want to know when the person they love will be recovered and back to their old selves. For most people, there will be no particular day, event or marker that will indicate that they are ‘recovered.’ Rather, recovery is more often a long and complex process and can be vastly different for each individual depending on many factors.
Recovery can involve personal discovery, re-learning, challenges, achievements and setbacks. For many people, it is just the beginning of a life long process of being more aware of who they are and what is important to them. Often, people won’t go back to being their old selves, because their recovery is a positive learning experience resulting in significant personal growth.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION:
Some great sites:
This site helps you in finding treatment/support groups in your country and area:
[url]http://www.pale-reflections.com/treatment_finder.asp[/url]
[url]http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder.php[/url]
Sites with great info:
[url]http://www.pale-reflections.com/default.asp[/url]
[url]http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/[/url]
[url]http://www.mirror-mirror.org/eatdis.htm[/url]
[url]http://www.something-fishy.org/[/url]
[url]http://www.edauk.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.edreferral.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.caringonline.com/[/url]
[url]http://www.compulsiveeating.com/[/url]
Online Support Groups:
[url]http://www.something-fishy.org/online/options.php[/url]
[url]http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=381[/url]
[url]http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Eating_Disorders/Site/[/url]
[url]http://www.teenhelp.org/groups/forumdisplay.php?f=17[/url]
[url]http://www.trappedminds.org/component/option,com_weblinks/Itemid,4/catid,93/[/url]
If you are concerned about your daughter, son, brother, sister or friend please take some time to read this guide:
[url]http://www.hampsteadhospital.com/Media/Guide.pdf[/url]
Discuss this here!
(Edited by NYGirl1113 at 10:29 am on July 14, 2005)
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