What do I need to know about eating disorders and treatment?

Eating disorders are a serious mental illness that can cause life-threatening health problems. Eating disorders involve disturbances in eating behavior and body image accompanied by other psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. The four most common eating disorders identified by the DSM-V are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders.

Eating disorders can affect any age, gender, or race. They may manifest differently depending on the age of the individual — for instance, children and young teens are more likely to experience dysregulated eating and are less likely to binge/purge. A recent study estimates that about half a million teens in the United States struggle with an eating disorder.

Several contributing factors can lead to the development of an eating disorder in most individuals. These form the biopsychosocial model, and include: 1) Biological (e.g., Eating disorders run in families suggesting a genetic contribution), 2) Psychological (e.g., Depression, anxiety, anger, stress, low self-esteem), 3) Social (e.g., Cultural pressures and norms that value physical appearance, discrimination based on size or shape), and 4) Interpersonal (e.g., History of bullying or abuse, difficulty expressing emotions, troubled relationships).

Eating disorders are complex, and those suffering from them often try to cope with overwhelming feelings and emotions using food and the control of food. Restricting, bingeing, purging, and other disordered eating behaviours may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control. Ultimately, the eating disorder destroys self-esteem, competence, and one’s control.

Eating disorders can have a huge impact on the person struggling, as well as family members or friends. If you are concerned that your loved one is struggling from an eating disorder, here are some common warning signs to look for:

• • Bingeing and purging
  • Secretive eating or hiding food
  • Avoiding eating in public or with others
  • Excessive and compulsive exercise
  • Abuse of laxatives, diet pills and/or diuretics
  • Expressing loss of control with food
  • Feeling guilty after eating
  • Intense mood swings and irritability
  • Heightened anxiety and obsessiveness, especially around food
  • Low self-esteem
  • Distorted body image
  • Wearing loose or multiple layers of clothing
  • Absence of three consecutive menstrual cycles
  • Swollen glands in neck and puffiness in cheeks
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Hair loss, paleness, and dizziness

How do we get help?

It can be difficult for individuals or families to consider entering treatment for an eating disorder. It requires courage and understanding. Our approach to treatment for Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Orthorexia involves expert care, delivered in a warm and therapeutic setting. We recognize that top quality, evidence-based care must also be combined with a compassionate, empathic, and individualized treatment targeted for the unique needs of each person affected, including family members.

We work with a comprehensive team (e.g., therapy along with consultation with a nutritionist, psychiatrist, medical doctor, and other providers) to address each factor of the biopsychosocial model in treatment. If we don’t address each factor, the eating disorder cycle will resurface and eventually each facet will need to be dealt with. Comprehensive treatment often involves both individual and family therapy. We use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy, which have all been proven effective in treating eating disorders. We strive to address the core issues driving the eating disorder, and provide the tools for living a meaningful life free from the confines of the eating disorder.

​Recovery can be a long and difficult process. Don’t try to get help on your own; we can help you and your family find the motivation and the tools that you need to overcome an eating disorder and achieve complete recovery.

Dr. Kelly Painter offers reunification therapy for parents and child(ren) experiencing difficulties in their relationship and/or communication style. This intervention is especially helpful when a child is resisting spending time with a parent, anxious about seeing a parent, and/or struggling to transition between parents. This may happen with families preparing for separation/divorce, families going through the divorce process, and/or families that have been divorced for some time. Dr. Painter offers a child centered approach and guides parents towards improving and repairing their relationships with their child(ren) in an effort to increase cohesion and healthy family functioning.