Do you feel like you’re constantly battling with thoughts about food?
You’re not alone and therapy can help. At SpringSource Psychological Center, we have experienced eating order therapists who understand how difficult living with an eating disorder can be. We have the training to support you on your journey to recovery. With our compassionate team of therapists, you will acquire the tools and resources you need to overcome your eating disorder.
Like most people, you might think of eating disorders as a problem that only affects young women. But the reality is that eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race or body shape and size. Recent studies show that the number of men and individuals with minoritized identities who are diagnosed with an eating disorders is rising.
An eating disorder is a serious mental illness. It can cause people to obsess over their weight, eating behavior, and food intake to the point where serious physical and psychological consequences can result. Eating disorders are complex and often misunderstood. This article will help you understand the different types of eating disorders, what causes them, and how they can be treated. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, please seek professional help immediately.
Call us today at 224-202-6260. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and discuss how we can help you start on the path to recovery.
Call us today to learn more about our therapy services!
Eating disorders are mental illnesses that cause people to have unhealthy relationships with food and their bodies. There are many different eating disorders, but they all share some common features. For example, people with eating disorders often become preoccupied with thoughts about food, and in many instances, weight and body image. This can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as limiting the intake of food, binge-eating, or purging.
Eating disorders are often caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For example, someone may be more likely to develop an eating disorder if they have a family member with the same illness. Additionally, people under a lot of stress, going through a life transition, or who have experienced trauma may also be at risk. Dieting is a risk factor for developing anorexia or bulimia, as the pattern of food restriction and monitoring can quickly become obsessive and hard to moderate.
There are many different eating disorders, which are now labeled “Eating and Feeding Disorders” in the DSM-V-TR, including Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Binge-eating disorder, Rumination Disorder, Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and Pica.
1. Anorexia nervosa is described by a refusal to maintain healthy body weight, a fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Even if they’re dangerously underweight, people with anorexia perceive themselves as overweight.
Anorexia nervosa is identified by many symptoms:
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder—and it’s on the rise. For females 15-24 years old, the mortality rate linked with anorexia nervosa is 12 times greater than the death rate associated with ALL causes of death. In addition, up to 20% of persons with significant eating disorders die if they are not treated.
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2. Bulimia nervosa is identified by continuing episodes of binge eating followed by purging. People with bulimia nervosa may use methods such as vomiting or excessive exercise to control their weight.
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:
Individuals with bulimia nervosa consume large quantities of food in a short amount of time and then purge. Despite often being at a healthy weight, they are afraid of gaining weight.
3. Binge-eating disorder has many of the characteristics of bulimia in that the individual engages in episodes of binge eating but does not engage in compensatory strategies afterwards. Individuals with binge-eating disorder are often distressed about weight gain and may have medical consequences associated with physiological changes, as well as psychological stress and shame associated with societal judgments and discrimination.
4. ARFID or Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is characterized by a fear of eating or choking and avoidance of certain foods or food groups.
The following symptoms characterize ARFID:
Although ARFID is most often seen in childhood and adolescence, it can also occur later in life. It also affects men and women equally. Unlike some other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, individuals affected by ARFID generally do not have body image concerns and are not trying to lose weight.
5. Rumination disorder is characterized by persistent regurgitation of undigested food. People with rumination disorder may re-chew their food or spit it out. This can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration.
Rumination disorder manifests itself in a variety of ways:
Rumination syndrome is most commonly associated with infants and persons with developmental disabilities.
6. Pica is characterized by the persistent eating of non-food items such as dirt, paint chips, nails, rocks, or hair. This condition is most commonly seen in children, pregnant women, and those with co-morbid mental health diagnoses.
The following symptoms are some that are associated with PICA:
Pica patients may be more susceptible to food poisoning, infections, stomach injuries, and nutritional deficits. Pica can be lethal depending on the items consumed.
An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help from a qualified therapist. In addition, a therapist can provide the support and guidance you need to recover from an eating disorder and maintain a healthy relationship with food and your body.
At SpringSource Psychological Center, we understand the importance of early intervention and treatment for eating disorders. We also believe that it is never too late to receive help. That’s why our team offers a range of services tailored to meet each client’s needs. We believe in attending to all aspects of the person’s life- physical, psychological, emotional, and social. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please don’t hesitate to call us for help. Our doors are always open, and we would be honored to support you on your journey back to health.
Glenview is a small, incorporated village located in Cook County, Illinois, just 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. With an estimated population of 47% higher than before 2010 (when the last census data was collected), many new housing developments currently under construction will house even more families once they’re complete!
The major roads running through this scenic lake community include Lake Street on its western end near Highland Park neighborhood, where you can find several golf courses as well.
Glenview, IL, should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a great place to live. Glenview has something to offer everyone with its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and abundance of activities and amenities.
Here are just some of the things that make living in Glenview so special:
1. Excellent Schools – Glenview is home to some of the best schools in Illinois. Whether you’re looking for a preschool for your toddler or a college for your teenager, you’ll find what you need here.
2. Safe Neighborhoods – Glenview is one of the safest communities in the Chicago area. You can feel comfortable letting your kids play outside or walk to the store without fear of them being harmed.
3. Abundance of Activities and Amenities – Glenview has everything from golf courses to movie theaters, making it the perfect place to live if you want to do something fun every day of the week.
If you’re looking for a great place to call home, look no further than Glenview, IL. You won’t regret it!
Serving Cook County, IL and the following cities: Chicago, Elgin, Cicero, Schaumburg, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Skokie, Des Plaines, Orland Park, Glenview
