Commons Forms of Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is a serious condition that can have devastating effects on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some of the most common forms of eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Each type of eating disorder has its own set of symptoms and treatment methods.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, resulting in extreme food restriction and severe weight loss. People with anorexia may also have a distorted perception of their body and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive exercise or purging.
This can be especially common in adolescent girls, boys, and non-binary individuals. Treatment for anorexia often includes therapy, nutritional counseling, and close monitoring of physical health.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binging followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise.
Those with bulimia may also have a fear of gaining weight and struggle with body issues. Treatment for bulimia may include therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication to address any underlying mental disorders.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without purging behaviors. Individuals with this disorder may experience feelings of guilt or shame after a binge and may use food as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
Binge eating disorder treatment may include therapy, support groups, and nutritional counseling.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) is a catch-all term for disordered eating behaviors that do not fit into the criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
This can include conditions such as atypical anorexia, where a person may exhibit symptoms of anorexia but do not meet the weight criteria, or purging disorder, which is characterized by purging behaviors without binge eating. Treatment for OSFED may vary depending on the specific disorder.
The Relationship Between Addiction and an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders and addiction often co-occur, with individuals struggling with one disorder being at a higher risk for developing the other. Both disorders are thought to stem from similar underlying factors, such as genetics, trauma, and low self-esteem.
Additionally, many individuals with an eating disorder may turn to substance use as a way to cope with their feelings of distress or to control their weight. Similarly, those with addiction may develop unhealthy eating habits in order to maintain a certain body shape or to cope with the effects of substance use.
Other Commonly Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
An eating disorder and addiction can also co-occur with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is important that any eating disorder treatment plan addresses all underlying issues in order to treat these co-occurring disorders effectively.
How is an Eating Disorder Treated?
An individual struggling with an eating disorder may benefit from a range of comprehensive treatment approaches, including mental health care. Evidence-based treatment and interventions may include:
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used form of therapy for treating an eating disorder. It focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Other therapies may include family-based therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
- Nutritional Counseling: Working with a registered dietitian can help individuals develop healthy eating habits and address any nutritional deficiencies that may have resulted from their unhealthy eating behaviors.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage underlying mental health conditions or to assist with weight
- Support groups: Support groups, both in-person and online, can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding as they navigate their recovery journey.
For those requiring a higher level of patient care, options like inpatient care and partial hospitalization programs provide intensive support and structure for eating disorder treatment.
Day treatment at our facility provides adolescent psychiatry for individuals suffering from an eating disorder and other co-occurring mental health issues. Family-based treatment plays a crucial role in addressing the dynamics that contribute to an eating disorder.
Who Is At Risk For Developing An Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder can affect individuals of any age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. However, there are certain factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing an eating disorder:
- Genetics: Individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk of developing one themselves.
- Trauma: Experiences of trauma and abuse can contribute to the development of an eating disorder in young adults.
- Societal pressure: Societal ideals and media influence can also contribute to the development of body issues in high school students and even adult women and lead to disordered eating habits.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Treatment Options at an Eating Disorder Rehab in Massachusetts
At Woburn Addiction Treatment, we understand that treating an eating disorder goes beyond addressing surface-level behaviors, and treatment goals must involve targeting underlying issues and developing healthier coping skills. Our team works together to create individualized treatment plans for each patient.
Residential Treatment Program
For individuals with a severe eating disorder, a residential program may be the best option. In a residential program, patients live on-site and receive around-the-clock care. This can be a good option for those who need intensive support and structure to address their eating disorder.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient programs offer a less intensive level of care, allowing patients to live at home while receiving treatment. This option may be suitable for those with milder eating disorders or those who have completed a higher level of care and are transitioning back into their daily lives. Outpatient care may include:
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a structured treatment program that typically takes place 5 days a week, for 6 hours each day. Patients receive intensive therapy and support during the day and return home in the evening.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program offers a step-down level of care for those transitioning from residential or inpatient treatment. It typically involves several hours of therapy and support groups per day, a few days a week.
Outpatient Program (OP)
An outpatient program provides therapy and support groups less frequently, allowing patients to continue their daily routines while receiving treatment. This may include weekly therapy sessions to build coping skills and occasional check-ins with the treatment team.
Symptoms of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, and it is important to be aware of the potential warning signs. Common eating disorder symptoms include:
- Obsession with food: Preoccupation with calorie counting, restricting certain food groups, or compulsive overeating.
- Distorted view of body: A negative perception of one’s body shape or size, often leading to extreme weight loss efforts.
- Changes in behavior and mood: Withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep patterns, or mood swings may all be signs of an underlying eating disorder.
- Physical symptoms: Sudden weight loss or gain, fatigue, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues can all be physical indicators of an eating disorder.
Getting Help at Our Massachusetts Eating Disorder and Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a family member is struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. At Woburn Addiction Treatment, we offer comprehensive treatment for eating disorders and co-occurring mental conditions.
This may include medical stabilization, inpatient care, outpatient services such as day treatment and intensive outpatient programs, evidence-based therapies during individual counseling and group therapy, family therapy, meal planning, and medication management.
Get in touch with us through our contact form or by calling (781) 622-9190 to discuss treatment planning options that can lead to lasting recovery.
