People of all genders, ages, body shapes, weights, races, and ethnicities can be affected by eating disorders. Eating Disorders are a mental and physical illness that can be treated by an interdisciplinary team including, but not limited to, a Psychiatrist, Therapist, Registered Dietitian and Primary Care Physician.

Some symptoms of Eating Disorders include:

• Social withdrawal
• Frequent dieting, body checking
• Extreme fluctuation in mood
• Food rituals
• Fluctuation in weight
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Noticeable issues with dental, skin, hair, and nail health
• Sleep disturbances
• Low self-esteem
• Worries related to body image, relationship with food, and changing body shape or weight.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy to assist in modifying disruptive thoughts. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, to assist in the changing of maladaptive behaviors and increase use of effective skills to improve emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and distress tolerance. Psychodynamic therapy, to address and begin to understand the root cause of the Eating disorder and exploring the underlying motives that continue to fuel eating disorder behaviors.

Eating Disorder Resources:

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
https://anad.org/

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