Eating Disorder
Eating disorders simply defined are severe disturbances of normal eating habits. People use eating disorders as a way to deal with their problems and these eating disorders become almost a survival mechanism for them. Eating disorders arise from a complex combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. Issues associated with eating disorders include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of loss of control, feelings of worthlessness, identity concerns, family communication problems and an inability to cope with emotions. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming.
The three categories of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Compulsive Overeating. Anorexia is associated with a distorted body image; a person thinks she/he is fat, even though underweight. Anorexics practice restrictive dieting, compulsive exercise as well as laxative and diuretic abuse. Serious health consequences can result from literal starvation.
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Bulimia is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption of food in a short period of time), and purging (self-induced vomiting or usage of laxatives). Bulimics eat compulsively and then purge through self-induced vomiting, use of laxative, diuretics, diet pills, ipecac, strict diets, fasts, chew-spitting, vigorous exercise or other behaviors to prevent weight gain. Medical complications can be fatal.
Compulsive overeating refers to a pattern of consumption of large amounts of food, even when a person is not hungry. Binge eating temporarily relieves stress, but is followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust and depression.
The treatment of eating disorders involves different health disciplines including psychotherapists, physicians, nutritionists, and nurses. Research is being done on various treatments of eating disorders. The consensus is that good treatment often requires a spectrum of options. Outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment/hospitalization may be appropriate to counteract the habitual patterns to assist a person to regain a balance and ultimately a renewed level of health.
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