Eating Disorder Counselling

Eating disorders refer to a specific type of illness characterized by improper eating habits often started by the consequence of trying to lose weight. Eating disorders mean a person will diet excessively and as result loss a great deal of weight or overindulge and then induce vomiting to compensate. Our eating disorder counselling can help you or someone you know.

Some of the most known forms of eating disorders are:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder

These three forms of eating disorders affect both sexes.

Eating disorder problems can develop at any age, but they most commonly occur in the teenage years or young adulthood. Eating disorders are classified as a medical illness as well as a mental condition. There are a variety of different treatments for this condition but they may require medical supervision.

Types of eating disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa

People affected by this type of eating disorder usually have an obsessive fear of gaining weight and have an unrealistic image of how the human body should look. Sufferers will always see themselves as overweight even when they are obviously very underweight. Anorexia can have huge consequences for the health of a person, such as multi-organ failure, heart difficulties, brain damage, and infertility. The is a high risk in this type of eating disorder that death could be the result.

Bulimia Nervosa

It is defined as repeated binge eating accompanied by behaviour that attempts to compensate for overeating by extreme use of laxatives, excessive exercise, or even forced vomiting. People who suffer from Bulimia are afraid of gaining weight and feel unhappy about the shape and size of their bodies. The whole process of overeating and secretly trying to compensate for doing so creates a sense of guilt and shame. Bulimia can lead to severe dehydration, heart conditions and gastrointestinal problems.

Binge Eating

People with a binge eating disorder usually lose control over their eating. Unlike Bulimia, overeating episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviour. It is for this reason that people suffering from BED can have problems with obesity which can cause other health problems characteristic of being overweight.

What are the causes of eating disorders?

 Although the exact cause of this disorder is not known, it is believed that the combination of psychological, biological, and environmental abnormalities influences it`s development.

Symptoms and signs

People suffering from eating disorders may a variety of symptoms:

• Depression
• Avoiding friends and family
• A constant diet even though the person is obviously underweight
• Eating patterns like cutting food into small pieces
• Obsession with food and recipes
• The person likes to cook for other people but refrains from eating.

How my family psychologist can help

Since this is a complex disorder, professional treatments by a specialist is the key to recovery. Because of the complexity of this illness treatment can require the advice of therapists, nutritionist and doctors. The list below shows the different treatments that may be required.

Monitoring and medical care

• Nutrition
• Therapy
• Medication.

To discuss how we can help with eating disorder counselling call us on 07801 079555 or contact us online.