Eating Disorders
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are psychological illnesses that affect approximately 9% of Americans. A 2020 report found that every 52 minutes, 1 person dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder, leading to the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness behind opiate addiction.
Eating disorders currently found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V):
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Other Specified Eating and Feeding Disorder
If you think you may be suffering from disordered eating or may have an eating disorder, please take this quick survey.
Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders
Fueling For Recovery offers specialized counseling for individuals with eating disorders.
Treatment for an Eating Disorder
Receiving treatment for an eating disorder from a team who specializes in this field is imperative to ensure appropriate care, screening and intervention. Here are some ways that an individual can benefit from treatment:
- Prevention of long term physical complications
- Feeling seen and supported in a neutral space
- Receiving nutrition and psychological recommendations tailored to your personal experience
- Knowing that recommendations come from years of training and experience
- Having a space where a professional is centering your story in their interventions
The Treatment Team
The role of the therapist
Psychologists are a crucial component of the treatment of eating disorders. Research shows that most individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder also have co-occurring psychological diagnoses. The therapist will use evidence-based practices, which are currently Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Based Treatment (FBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) (in cases of Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder) in assisting individuals in the change process. Therapists conceptualize the role that the eating disorder plays in the clients life in addition to helping clients explore and understand maintaining factors for their illness, how the illness interferes with the type of life they want to live and assisting them in changing ineffective coping patterns and behaviors.
The role of the dietitian
Dieticians are a critical part of the treatment team for eating disorders. Those specializing in this field address the psychological beliefs that shape an individual’s relationship with food, sometimes referred to as “food psychology.”
If your physical health has been affected by an eating disorder, a dietitian will work with you to restore proper body function—this is essential for all types of bodies. Contrary to common belief, even individuals in larger bodies can be malnourished or physically unstable.
Dieticians provide science-based education to help clients question their behaviors and change them. They may also guide you through food exposures and mindful eating practices. Unlike popular misconceptions, dietitians do not prescribe rigid diets or judge your food choices. Instead, they help you understand how different foods affect you and support a recovery that will allow your body to function appropriately, while also guiding you towards an intuitive approach to eating (if this is what you want). Dieticians will always consider any medical conditions that may influence your dietary needs.
The role of the family doctor
Due to the serious health risks associated with eating disorders, such as tachycardia, bradycardia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, electrolyte imbalances, and syncope, it is essential that clients are monitored by a medical professional. A family doctor will track physical health and offer medical guidance based on their findings. We strongly recommend that all clients diagnosed with an eating disorder receive regular medical supervision to ensure medical safety.
The role of the psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health conditions. In some cases, medication may be necessary and effective in managing symptoms of co-occurring conditions. Although there are currently no medications specifically for treating eating disorder symptoms, certain medications can help address underlying factors that contribute to maintaining the illness.
Please note that one doesn’t have to be diagnosed with an eating disorder to have disordered eating patterns. Diet culture often encourages restrictive behaviors, leading to overeating and cycling weight trends. If you feel that your self-worth is tied to your body shape, weight and food choices, you may have a disordered relationship with food.
