EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior.
The practice of an eating disorders can be viewed as a survival mechanism. Just as an alcoholic use's alcohol to cope, a person with an eating disorder can use eating, purging, or restricting to deal with their problems. Some of the underlying issues that are associated with an eating disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of loss of control, feelings of worthlessness, identity concerns, family communication problems, and an inability to cope with emotions. The practice of an eating disorder may be an expression of something that the eating-disordered individual has found no other way of expressing. Eating disorders are usually divided into three categories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating.
Individuals suffering from eating disorders may be unaware that they have a disorder or may have difficulty asking for help. Below are some "danger signs" to help determine if you, or a loved one, could be at risk for having an eating disorder. If three or more of the following symptoms apply to you, or a loved one, please contact us; you, or your loved one, may be at risk of having an eating disorder.
Danger Signs of Eating Disorders
- Thoughts about "feeling fat".
- Fear of gaining weight.
- Feelings of loss of control when eating
- Weight determines self-esteem.
- Body image obsession.
- Guilt or shame after eating.
- Repeated attempts at dieting.
- Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time.
- Self-consciousness or embarrassment about eating.
- Sneaking food.
- Lying about eating habits.
- Restrictive eating.
- Self-induced vomiting.
- Laxative abuse.
- Diuretic abuse.
- Use of diet pills.
- Use of Ipecac.
- Compulsive exercise.
- Eating to relieve stress or depression.
- Perfectionism.
- Eating when not hungry.
- Eating sensibly in front of others and then making up for it when alone.
- Depression.
- Low body weight.
- Embarrassment about body weight.
- Low self-esteem.
- Difficulty identifying or expressing feelings.
- Strict dieting.
- Fasting.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Gastrointestinal complaints.