Eating Disorder Treatment and Other Eating Disorders Information

Do You Know Someone With An Eating Disorder?

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is time to get help today. Severe consequences can come from leaving an eating disorder untreated and it is not something that will go away with time. In fact, it can get worse if you let it overtake your life. Professional eating disorder treatment centers provide management for those suffering from anorexia, bulimia, binging and purging, overeating, and other eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). If you are suffering from an unhealthy self-image, there is a program available for you.

Finding Eating Disorder Treatment

The first step in eating disorder treatment consists of recognizing that there is a problem. Without admitting to yourself that your life is out of control, treatment may not be as effective for you. This is not something that can be forced on an individual and no way the intent of a professional program. Treatment begins when the caring staff works hard to come up with a specific plan for you. They care about all clients and do not offer generic treatment plans without consulting your specific needs. Furthermore, many centers offer unique treatment programs and training to prevent relapse.

Eating Disorders Information

You may feel helpless and that no one wants to listen to you. There is always someone out there to offer a helping hand and show you a loving home. They qualified staff at an eating disorder treatment program is here for you during this complicated time in your life. Letting an eating disorder take over your life is not a way to live. Your quality of life is drastically reduced and your personal relationships, well-being, and professional life will greatly suffer if you are not healthy. Many people may have questions or want to request eating disorders information. Don’t be afraid to ask for help today.

Eating Disorder Outpatient Programs

Eating Disorder Treatment

For many men and women, the idea of checking into a residential treatment program is scary. Many individuals who seek treatment for an addiction or a disorder wish to do so while still maintaining other crucial aspects of their life. For those people who wish to live their life somewhat the same while still receiving eating disorder treatment and support in their recovery, there are outpatient programs. For those suffering from an eating disorder, many treatment centers offer eating disorder outpatient programs that include a number of different programs and therapies.

The goal of an outpatient program is to guide a recovering individual, and help them escape their obsessive behavior and thoughts. There are group therapy sessions, private counseling sessions, nutritional counseling, 12-step programs, online therapy, and aftercare programs. The programs are structured, but allow access to many freedoms, such as shopping, businesses, banks, entertainment, exercise facilities, restaurants, and 12-step meetings, all within walking distance. Meals are guided in order to internalize healthy eating habits. Many outpatient programs the following components, or some variation of the following components:

Individualized Treatment Plans

* Didactic, Educational, and Experiential Groups

* Meditation, and Art Expression Classes

* Individual Sessions with a Counselor, Registered Dietitian, and Exercise Physiologist

* Family Therapy

* Lunch or Dinner Served in our Dining Room or Restaurants

* Life Skills Training

* Relapse Prevention

Eating Disorder Addiction

Eating disorders are just like any other addiction, meaning that the chance of relapse is high. While these outpatient programs try to prepare clients for life in the real world, it is always difficult to adjust, and without the structure many people slip up. For this reason, many treatment centers offer aftercare programs upon the completion of the outpatient program. This allows recovering individuals to come back when they need to for support and guidance.

Eating Disorders in College

It is not unusual to occasionally feel low self-esteem about your appearance.  So, what is the difference between having a bad day and suffering from an eating disorder? An eating disorder is more than just a diet – it is marked by extreme behaviors and feelings. Symptoms can range from an extreme fear of gaining weight to an extreme obsession with exercise.

Eating disorders afflict many and college students are not an exception. Much like high school, the new life is stressful because it takes time to adjust to a new environment. Unlike high school, individuals have more alone time and freedom in controlling their lives. If an individual develops an eating disorder, the college environment is a perfect place where they can continue their routine. New stress and social pressure can also create anxiety as individuals turn to controlling their weight in order to cope with what’s going on in their life. The stereotype of the “freshman 15”, gaining 15 pounds or more during freshman year, also intensifies the pressure to scrutinize one’s weight. A lifestyle of junk food, staying up late and excess drinking can have a toll on one’s body. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly 20% of college students have some type of eating disorder.

Whether it is eating once a day or binge eating, college students can especially be prone to anorexia, bulimia or any other combination types of eating disorder. If your son, daughter, friend or loved one is suffering from an eating disorder while away at college, it may be harder to give them the support and treatment that they need. Remember, no matter how hard it may be to accept, it is the individual is the one that has to accept and follow through with the treatment. Eating disorders are becoming more common on college campuses and it is helpful to look for resource and other information online:

Psychological Impact of College Can Influence Eating Disorders
Handling Eating Disorders When Your Teen Goes to College
College Eating Disorders Affect Campus Life

Afflicted by Eating Disorders

With unrealistic images of celebrities and cultural obsessions with the ideal body, it is not surprising that 70 million individuals are affected by eating disorders worldwide. Studies show that as many as 1 in 5 women suffer from an eating disorder. This is not only a female affliction as 10 – 15% of males are amongst the diagnosed.

There are many different types of eating disorders and it is possible for an individual to suffer from more than one disorder:

  • Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a low body weight and a distortion of body image. It is a crippling fear of gaining weight.
  • Binge eating is distinguished by periods impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full.Bulimia nervosa is characterized by self-induced vomiting, the use of laxatives to lose weight, over exercising and even binge eating.
  • Over exercising is when an individual takes exercising to an extreme. Characterizations include scheduling daily activities around exercise and exercising for long periods of time to the point of fatigue.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatment may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient transition back to a healthy life.

So, if you or anyone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible.

Like any other addictions, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. Those suffering from eating disorders also need continued support and help to conquer their affliction. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. In addition to offering support, professional help is one of the best things to offer someone battling an eating disorder. Treatments may include evaluation by a doctor, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and support groups. Nowadays, there are even eating disorder outpatient services to help the patient

Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eating is disorder characterized by an unhealthy attitude towards food. Individuals suffering from this disease require immediate eating disorder treatment in order to save them from further and worse effects of binge eating.

Eating disorder treatment for binge eating involves psychotherapy. This is because binge eaters are usually those who have low self-esteem and are suffering self-disgust due to their “unacceptable” body shape, weight and form. Psychotherapy may be done on a one-on-one basis or as a group.

Specific medications may also be used in the treatment of binge eating. Among the medications that are used in most eating disorder treatment are Topamax and Meridia. Topamax is an anti-convulsant topiramate that is used to control seizures and in binge eating control. Meridia is an FDA-approved antidepressant treatment for long-term obesity. This medication suppresses hunger and creates a feeling of fullness despite skipping meals.

Weight-loss programs also help curb binge eating disorders. Some weight loss programs use medications as part of its program while others don’t. Weight loss programs may also include low calorie diet.