Eating Disorders: How To Catch Them in Your Loved Ones
By Emily Ferrer
Eating disorders are characterized by severe and persistent troubles related to eating behaviors, food, and weight[1]. There are many different types of eating disorders; however, the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Nine percent of the entire population suffers from an eating disorder and 10,200 deaths are recorded each year due to an eating disorder[2]. After reading about how common they are, I am sure you are wondering, “How do I know if I or someone I know has an eating disorder?” There are many signs and symptoms associated with eating disorders[3]:
Anorexia Nervosa:
- Extreme weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Bone weakness
- Amenorrhea
- Brittle hair/nails
- Always feeling cold
- Obsession with food
- Depression
Bulimia Nervosa:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after a meal
- Chronic sore throat
- Dental decay
- Laxative/diuretic misuse
- Large amounts of food disappearing
- Fainting from excessive purging
Binge-Eating Disorder:
- Weight gain
- Eating very rapidly
- Eating until very full
- Eating even when not hungry
- Hiding large amounts of food
- Eating alone on purpose
- Feeling guilty after eating large amounts of food
Eating disorders can be extremely serious if not treated. It is important to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of different eating disorders so you can find help for you or someone you know as soon as possible. Other general signs of eating disorders to look out for are a sudden obsession with food (cooking it, eating it, watching cooking shows/videos), social withdrawal, drastic changes in mood, new attitudes towards food, new dieting habits, self-harm, excessive exercise, obsession with calorie and step count, repeatedly weighing themselves, and body dysmorphia[4]
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Sources:
[1] https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders
[2] https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/
[3] https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders/what-are-eating-disorders
[4] https://www.lifeworkscommunity.com/eating-disorders-treatment/how-to-recognise-the-early-signs-of-an-eating-disorder
CounselingRx 