let's talk about eating disorders...

*****TW: this post involves discussion and in-depth explanation of eating disorders, their cause, and their recovery. if you are someone that is struggling with an eating disorder of any type, please read this post with caution.*****

this is the NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) symbol that is known for representing awareness, hope, and recovery for eating disorders.

if you would like, check out the NEDA's website (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org) for more detailed information! most of my info today will come from their site as well.

hello cherubs, today we are discussing eating disorders.

myth about eating disorders:

"people at a normal body weight cannot have an eating disorder".

this is a myth because eating disorders can form in any person. not just females, males can get them too. not just in young people, all ages can have them.

the definition of an eating disorder is: "any range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits."

below are five facts about eating disorders that you may or may not have heard before. (check out this link to see inspirational facts https://mhanational.org/blog/7-important-facts-about-eating-disorders)

• an eating disorder is a serious mental illness

• an eating disorder is not "just a woman's disorder"

• eating disorders establish complicated and life-threatening problems

• people with eating disorders cannot simply "get over it"

• recovery is possible

just like depression, the term "eating disorder" is often an umbrella term for the categories that fall under it. we are going to discuss the different types of eating disorders, along with treatment and recovery for those disorders.

first up, probably one of the most common types of an eating disorder:

anorexia nervosa 

commonly known as anorexia, this disorder encompasses difficulty maintaining proper body weight and distorted body image. those with this disorder generally restrict their food intake and what types of food they eat. a common actions of someone with anorexia is purging, extreme exercise, and binge eating.

warning signs and symptoms:

emotional/behavioral (not limited to this short list)

• dramatic weight loss

• dresses in bagging clothing or layers to hide weight loss

• makes comments about being "fat" despite weight loss

• seems concerned about eating in public

• has overly restrained initiative and emotional expression

physical (some, but not limited to this short list)

• stomach cramps

• difficulty concentrating

• dizziness

• sleep problems

• menstrual irregularities

According to the NEDA, "In anorexia nervosa’s cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences."

treatment for anorexia nervosa:

treatment consists of therapy and medication. different types of therapy include, but not limited to:

• support group

a forum for counseling and sharing experiences among people with a similar condition or goal.

• cognitive behavioral therapy

A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.

• dialectical behavioral therapy

Talk therapy that encourages people to both accept themselves and change their negative behaviors.

• behavior therapy

a therapy focused on modifying harmful behaviors associated with psychological distress

• family therapy

psychological counseling that helps families resolve conflicts and communicate more effectively.

Medication:

• SSRI's

Selective Serotonin Reputake Inhibitors, commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. Used in combination with talking therapy to ease symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Antipsychotics

Also known as neuroleptics, are a class of psychotropic medication primarily used to manage psychosis, but also in a ranged of other psychotic disorders, such as anorexia.

***With all of this being said, I AM NOT A DOCTOR. you should seek medical help for any issues you may be experiencing. I am just trying to offer awareness and information to those who may need it.***

next we are going to discuss the second most common eating disorder:

Bulimia Nervosa

commonly known as bulimia, this disorder is characterized by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting.

warning signs and symptoms:

emotional/behavioral (but not limited to):

• evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or lots of empty wrappers and containers indicating consumption of large amounts of food.

• evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics.

• drinks excessive amounts of water or non-caloric beverages

• frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance

physical (but not limited to):

• noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down

• body weight is typically within the normal weight range; may be overweight

• fainting/syncope

• feeling cold all the time

• impaired immune functioning

According to the NEDA "The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles of bulimia can affect the entire digestive system and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions. "

treatment of bulimia:

treatment includes but isn't limited to therapy, medication and self-care.

types of therapy:

• all of the types of therapy listed above for anorexia can also be used to treat bulimia as well.

• one not mentioned, psychoeducation: which is education about mental health that also serves to support, validate, and empower patients

types of medication:

• as well as anorexia, bulimia can be treated with SSRI's

Self-care:

• of course, self-care is essential in any state of health, but becoming okay with your body and learning what it needs calls for taking care of it. working out regularly, not excessively is key to becoming healthy.

***again, I am not a doctor, I am just relaying info***

lastly, we are going to talk about a new eating disorder:

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

also known as selective eating disorder, this eating disorder is a new diagnosis. it is similar to anorexia, but ARFID doesn't involve body dysmorphia. Many children go through a picky eating stage in childhood, but ARFID is when this pickiness goes through adulthood causing loss in basic body function. an eating and/or feeding disturbance most likely caused by another mental disorder.

risk factors

• those on the autism spectrum are much more likely to develop ARFID than others.

• severe picky eaters are more likely to develop ARFID

• many children with ARFID also have a co-occuring anxiety disorder

warning signs and symptoms:

emotional/behavioral:

• consistent, vague gastrointestinal problems

• will only eat certain textures of food

• limited range of preferred food, narrowing over time

• fears of choking or vomiting

• lack of appetite

physical:

• menstrual irregularities

• abnormal laboratory findings

• sleep problems

• thinning of hair

• muscle weakness

According to the NEDA "In ARFID, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences. The body is generally resilient at coping with the stress of eating disordered behaviors, and laboratory tests can generally appear perfect even as someone is at high risk of death."

treatment of ARFID:

treatment for ARFID is a little bit different than anorexia and bulimic treatment. Avoidant Resistant Food Intake Disorder is treated by a team of medical professionals including a doctor, dietitian, and therapist that perform nutrition counseling, medical care, and feeding therapy. in some cases, a speech-language pathologist helps as well if there could be/is an issue with choking.

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well, that was a long one! I hope that you learned something along with me!!

thanks for being here! I'll see you all next week(:

xx Loryn