Eating disorders result in an individual having a distorted image of their body. They are characterized by under-eating of the individual, overeating of the same or obsession with exercising and overthinking about food. The disorders outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders include bulimia nervosa which involves overeating which prompts the individual to induce vomiting or fasting because they want to lose weight. Anorexia nervosa which involves an individual’s lack of appetite or its loss, leading to voluntarily starving and therefore excessive loss of weight is the second eating disorder. Another eating disorder which happens to be the most common of the disorders is the eating disorder not otherwise specified which is a disorder that promotes the onset of distress that does not fit the criteria for the other three eating disorders. Lastly, is the binge eating disorder which involves a repeated indulging in large quantities of food that makes the individual feel ashamed for losing control and therefore overeating. Treatment options for eating disorders work towards the restoration of the individual’s healthy weight, the solution of any problems that are psychological in nature that coexist with the eating disorder. The therapy includes
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional counselors who are the professionals tasked with talking to the individuals suffering from the eating disorders also supervise the diet that is medically recommended to assist them to have a healthy weight. The counselors work with their clients to come up with a health-oriented eating plan. This is fundamental in their recovery from the eating disorderCognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a form of treatment that requires at least ten sessions or at most twenty sessions. It is goal-oriented as it aims to change thought patterns that are unhealthy and therefore resulting in changes in the individual’s behavior. It may be done in a group setting or individually, and it can be used a
Medically Assisted Therapy
For those patients who are excessively underweight, medical attention may be necessary. For instance, chronic anorexia may be damaging to the heart. It may also cause low blood pressure or failure of the individual’s organs. The first step in the medical treatment is assisting the individual to get to a healthy body weight then this can be followed by treatment of any medical conditions that may arise.
Psychotherapy
This assists the individuals with the eating disorders to assess the cause of their problem and the thoughts that result in it. It also equips them with techniques they can use to promote their recovery.