Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder
According to an Oxford University study, life satisfaction improves when one eats with the company of other people. As mental health and well-being are important to a balanced life, so food is a good channel to improve these aspects.
For some, however, food becomes a trigger for a medical disorder. Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are two conditions we’re most familiar with.
Causes and Symptoms of Eating Disorder
People diagnosed with anorexia show symptoms of weight loss and extreme concern about body size and weight. They are careful with what they eat and are particularly preoccupied with counting calories, fat grams, or cutting out an entire food group (like sugar and carbohydrates).
Bulimia, on the other hand, involves binge eating and then the subsequent attempts to purge food from the body through excessive exercising and self-induced vomiting.
There is also a noticeable change in behaviors and attitudes manifested by extreme mood swings or withdrawal from friends and their usual activities. On the physical side, people with an eating disorder may have sleeping problems, sudden weight fluctuations, muscle weakness, and impaired immune functioning. Other health complications may include a heart attack, internal bleeding, and self-harming behavior.
There are more clear warnings and signs that would allow families and friends to seek help early on.
Treatment and Recovery
Recognizing the eating disorder in its early stages would give the patient a higher chance of recovery. Anorexia and bulimia recovery programs are offered by private facilities that can help your loved one heal.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the patient may undergo different levels of care:
Outpatient – provided to patients who are medically stable and doesn’t require monitoring. They function socially and are able to make progress during recovery.
Partial hospitalization – the patient is physically and psychiatricallystable, but the eating disorder impairs normal functioning and needs daily psychological assessment.
Inpatient – the patient is medically unstable and shows rapidly worsening symptoms. They also show unstable vital signs, medical complications, and exhibit depression and suicidal tendencies.
Finding the Right Treatment
The first step towards recovery is getting a clear and accurate diagnosis. The treatment would generally include nutritional and psychological counseling, medical monitoring, and psychiatric assessment. If the condition has reached alarming levels, the first step in the treatment would be to restore normal eating patterns and gaining back a healthy weight level.
The treatment plan should effectively address the symptoms and recovery needs of the patient. That’s why regular therapy is also involved, as the disease can take a toll on the person’s mental and emotional help. Having someone to talk to about what they’re going through is a necessary step to getting better.
Every patient has a different experience and so recovery time also differs. While doctors and specialists can provide a timeline for treatment, there is no set time on when they can be expected to fully heal. Their loved ones’ patience and understanding, therefore, is crucial during this period.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If you think a friend or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, you should act fast. The earlier it is detected, the higher the chances of recovery. For more information and guidance, call the National Eating Disorders toll-free helpline at 1-800-931-2237.