Mental illness is a spectrum of conditions that are now taking a toll on the lives of many people worldwide. An eating disorder is an example of a condition wherein patients suffer from serious disturbances in their diet due to stress and other unwanted thoughts and feelings.
Today, many people suffer from eating disorders that can lead to physical symptoms. Often, the patients have malnutrition because they don’t consume the food and nutrients important for survival.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat eating disorders, such as therapy in a center for eating disorder in Kansas City. Here are important points to remember about eating disorders.
Defining Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice. Some studies have shown that it stems from genetic, environmental and psychological factors. These disorders could lead to severe disturbances in eating behaviors, such as engaging in overly strict diets, binge eating and purposely throwing up after meals.
There are many types of eating disorders—binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are common examples.
The binge-eating disorder involves eating more than necessary at a short time. Anorexia nervosa is a pathological fear of becoming fat, thus eating less or feeling guilty when eating food. Lastly, bulimia nervosa is a condition wherein people avoid gaining weight through self-induced vomiting.
Treating Eating Disorders
The treatment options for eating disorders vary depending on the patient’s case. An eating disorder center specializes in the care of people who don’t only need physical treatment but also psychological and emotional support.
Patients with eating disorders usually also suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Full treatment involves addressing all issues to achieve an improved overall health. Treating eating disorders should involve not only the patient but also their family.
Eating disorders can affect the patient emotionally, physically and psychologically. Hence, detecting the signs early is important in implementing the treatment immediately. This prevents malnutrition problems, which could lead to serious complications.