Treatment for Eating Disorders

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Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

• Skipping meals, avoiding food or eating very little
• Uunhealthy fixation with calorie counting, dieting and weight loss
• Lying about food intake
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image, seeing oneself as overweight despite no physical evidence
• Obsessive thoughts about food, eating habits and body size
• Excessive and strict exercise regime
• Misuse of laxatives, diet pills and appetite suppressants
• Physical symptoms such as bloating, dizziness, poor circulation, fatigue and constipation

If left untreated, anorexia nervosa can severely damage both mental and physical health due to malnutrition and excessive dieting. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and even death.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

• Preoccupation with body weight and shape
• Episodes of binge eating followed by purging
• Strong feelings of guilt and shame
• Using laxatives, diet pills or inducing vomiting after meals
• Feeling a lack of control over food intake and portion sizes
• Excessive exercise to prevent weight gain

Bulimia Nervosa can have damaging physical effects as well, including tooth enamel erosion, gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, acid reflux and tooth decay. Those with bulimia also have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms of ARFID

Avoidant/Restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is most commonly observed in infants and children, although it can persist in adulthood if left untreated.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Sudden refusal to eat or difficulty eating meals
• Fear of choking or vomiting
• Weight loss or failure to gain weight
• Little or no appetite
• Slow eating, particularly when eating with others

Symptoms of BED

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) shares some symptoms with bulimia nervosa, particularly episodes of binge eating.

Those with BED may:

• Display a lack of control in food intake
• Eat even when they are not hungry
• Feel distressed, ashamed or regretful after eating

However, an important distinction from bulimia nervosa is that binging episodes are not followed by purging or other compensatory behaviours.