What is an eating disorder?
An eating disorder is a serious and potentially fatal illness that causes a preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape. The most common eating disorders are:
- Anorexia nervosa — extreme calorie restriction
- Bulimia nervosa — voluntarily vomiting food
- Binge-eating disorder — compulsive over-eating
- Rumination disorder — repeatedly, but possibly involuntarily, regurgitating food
Women, men, and children with eating disorders aren’t making a lifestyle choice. They have a mental health disorder that compels them to restrict or overindulge in food, even though they’re putting their health at risk.
Why are eating disorders serious?
Our bodies need a steady supply of high-quality nutrients to function optimally and to regenerate organs and bones. If you have an eating disorder that restricts or eliminates calories, such as anorexia, your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. Complications of eating disorders include osteoporosis, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and early death.
What are the symptoms of anorexia?
If you have anorexia, you may be extremely thin but perceive yourself as fat. Other symptoms include:
- Muscle wasting and weakness
- Anemia
- Yellowish, dry skin
- Brittle bones, nails, and hair
- Fine hairs all over the body
- Low blood pressure and pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Constantly feeling cold or tired
Untreated anorexia can lead to brain failure, multi-organ failure, and death.
What are the symptoms of bulimia?
If you have bulimia, you may be at a normal weight or slightly overweight, but make yourself vomit after you eat. Symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Swollen salivary glands
- Acid reflux
- Teeth eroded by acid
- Intestinal distress
- Electrolyte imbalance
You may also become severely dehydrated from the constant vomiting.
What are the symptoms of binge eating?
Binge eaters tend to be overweight or obese. Symptoms include:
- Eating large amounts in a short period of time
- Eating when you’re not hungry
- Eating in secret
- Eating quickly while binging
- Eating even when you’re already full
Binge eaters may diet frequently but fail to lose weight.
How do psychiatrists treat eating disorders?
Dr. Sajan and her team at Health & Psychiatry take an integrative approach to treating all types of eating disorders. She customizes a treatment plan based on the type of eating disorder, the severity of symptoms, and other co-existing mental health or medical conditions such as anxiety or depression. Treatment plans include:
- Nutrition guidance
- Lifestyle and health habit changes
- Behavioral therapy
- Talk therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication
To get help with an eating disorder for you or a loved one, contact Health & Psychiatry by phone or online today.
