Treating the Three Common Types of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a group of conditions marked by an unhealthy relationship with food. There are common types of Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

It is important to know the symptoms associated with the three different types of Eating Disorders, in order to properly Diagnose and Treat, through an holistic approach.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AN EATING DISORDER

Physical 

• Menstrual irregularities — missing periods or Stopping menstruating

• Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up or down

• Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints

• Difficulties concentrating

• Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts)

• Dizziness, especially upon standing

• A decrease in body temperature. People feel profoundly cold (also mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet

• Sleep is impaired when underweight. Sleeps tends to be less refreshing and there is a tendency to wake early.

• Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting)

• Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity

• Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails

• Swelling around area of salivary glands

• Fine hair on body (lanugo)

• Muscle weakness

• Yellow skin (in context of eating large amounts of carrots)

• Poor wound healing

• Impaired immune functioning

Emotional and behavioral

• In general, behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming the main concern

• Making comments about being “fat”

• Extreme concern with body size and shape

• Exercising excessively 

• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting

• Refusal to eat certain foods, such as carbs or fats

• Appears uncomfortable eating around others

• Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food, excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch or takes long to finish eating)

• Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals

• Evidence of binge eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in a short time, or finding lots of empty food wrappers or containers

• Withdrawal from usual friends and activities

• Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance

• Extreme mood swings, socially withdrawn, hoarding objects (food or other things).

TREATING EATING DISORDER - AN HOLISTIC APPROACH

Eating disorder treatment depends on your particular disorder and your symptoms. It usually includes a combination of counselling (psychotherapy), nutrition education, medical monitoring and sometimes medications. Hospitalization may be necessary if you have serious physical or mental health problems or if you have anorexia and are unable to eat or gain weight. The chance for recovery increases the earlier an eating disorder is detected. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of an eating disorder.