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One of the biggest misconceptions about eating disorders is that they are a lifestyle choice when it is quite the opposite. An eating disorder is a very serious and sometimes fatal illness that stems from complex mental health problems. These mental health conditions affect an individual’s obsession with food, body obsession, and body shape.
These eating disorders can have a variety of symptoms depending on the specific disorder. For example, if an individual is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, they view themselves as overweight no matter how underweight they might be.
Eating disorders are debilitating and take a toll on your mental health as well as your physical health. If an eating disorder has taken over your life, residential eating disorder treatment can ensure you receive the help you need. Contact us today to learn more about residential eating disorder in Orange County, California.
Eating disorders are a category of psychiatric conditions in which an individual has an unhealthy relationship with food. Without proper treatment, eating disorders can affect one’s body weight as well as their natural body shape.
Eating disorders are not only damaging to the mind but also the body. Food is necessary for nourishment and provides us with essential vitamins and nutrients. Whether the individual binges food or deprives their body of food, eating disorders come with many health consequences.
Anyone can be diagnosed with an eating disorder. Eating disorders affect a wide variety of patients and have no age, gender, or race constraints. However, women in the age range of 12-35 are the most at risk.
Dissatisfaction with one’s body image is a common reason why eating disorders form. Other reasons include personal background, body preference, being close with someone with an eating disorder, family history, and more.
In addition, those with certain mental disorders or a history of mental disorders in the family are more prone to developing an eating disorder.
There are many types of eating disorders and affect a variety of different patients. Here are the most common.
Bulimia consists of uncontrollable eating behaviors, such as binging, followed by quickly expelling up the food. Most patients force themselves to vomit the food while others may take laxatives. The patient does this to satisfy their cravings but avoid absorbing calories.
Without treatment, the patient will lose control of their impulse to expel food. Because of this, bulimia can cause damage to the throat, stomach, and more.
Anorexia is a condition where the patient views themselves as overweight, even if they’re not. They will weigh themselves obsessively and will restrict food intake. Anorexic patients will also find other ways to lose weight, such as excessive exercise.
Without treatment, patients will develop serious health complications that could end up deadly.
Pica is a disorder when people ingest non-edible food items. Common examples include paper, chalk, or even hair. This disorder is common in pregnant women, who develop abnormal cravings. Pica is also common in children and can be a symptom of another mental condition.
Pica is dangerous because ingesting non-edible food items may result in infections, injuries, and in severe cases, poisoning.
Binge eating disorder is a lack of control with food. Patients excessively eat, even when they’re full. They may also snack throughout the day, though they’re not hungry. Unlike other disorders such as bulimia, the patient doesn’t expel the food.
Most patients with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese, which has serious health consequences.
These individuals only consume the bare minimum number of calories to survive. There are multiple reasons why these patients don’t eat as much —some don’t want to gain weight while others have a general disinterest in food.
Others have irrational fears of food. For example, one may have a fear of choking on food so severe that they avoid eating at all costs.
These individuals throw up after eating food; unlike bulimia, these patients purge involuntarily. Some patients rechew their food and swallow it while others spit it out. While the cause is unknown, this disorder could be due to physical reasons as well as mental reasons.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms or behaviors? If so, you may have an eating disorder. But first, you’ll want to receive a proper diagnosis.
First, a professional will evaluate your psychological state. They will identify symptoms such as a negative perception of your body, fear of gaining weight (for bulimia and anorexia), forced vomiting or use of supplements/laxatives (bulimia), obsessions with food, anxiety, and depression.
Then, you may also be asked to undergo a physical evaluation. A medical professional will look for certain bodily factors. These vary on the disorder.
For anorexia and bulimia, medical professionals are looking for a thin appearance, excessive exercise, and other physical symptoms such as insomnia. For binge eating disorder, they will take your weight and will get to know your eating habits.
Lastly, you may be asked to go for additional tests. Eating disorders have negative consequences on the body, so your doctor will check your breathing, your blood pressure, and your pulse. In severe cases, your doctor may request laboratory tests to check your vital organs.
Since most eating disorders are considered a psychological disorder, undergoing therapy is the first part of treatment. There are different therapy programs available, such as:
You may also undergo holistic therapy. Holistic therapy comprises of different ancient healing tactics that can benefit the mind and body. Popular examples include acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, and yoga.
While you may be tempted to stay at home and undergo treatment, you may experience better results when you choose residential eating disorder treatment. Residential eating disorder treatment is an ideal solution for all eating disorders.
At our residential eating disorder treatment in Orange County, you’ll live in a facility for a specific amount of time. Our Staff will assist you with therapy, ensuring you practice healthy eating habits, and more.
Therapy is one of the most points in residential eating disorder treatment. The therapist will improve your understanding of your disorder, helping you control your symptoms. They may also identify any mental disorders that co-exist with your eating disorder.
Additional treatments include meal support, group therapy, mindfulness training, nutrition education, and psychotherapeutic support.
Don’t suffer from an eating disorder for another day longer. Sign up for residential eating disorder treatment and seek the help you need. If you or a loved one is battling an eating disorder, SoCal Empowered residential eating disorder treatment in Orange County could be the solution. Give us a call today so that our professional care team can help you overcome your eating disorder and achieve recovery.
We offer two
inpatient mental health facilities
in Orange County, California
(888) 630-3860
info@socalempowered.com