Understanding Eating Disorders And How They Can Be Treated

There are several eating disorders to learn about and multiple treatment options available if you or someone you know lives with one of these conditions. Understanding your options can also allow you to support people with eating disorders in your community and worldwide and reduce the stigmas surrounding mental health.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that cause people to exhibit compulsive behaviors surrounding food and obsessive thoughts or maladaptive ideas about eating and body image. Some eating disorders involve restricted eating, whereas others may involve eating in significant quantities. Each presentation of an eating disorder can vary vastly from another. Understanding these unique diagnoses can reduce the chances of misinformation or stereotypes. 

Introduction to eating disorders

Eating disorders are complex psychological conditions that manifest through unhealthy eating behaviors, often from preoccupation with body weight or shape. They can lead to significant emotional and physical disturbances that can have life-altering effects on the individual and their loved ones.

There are several distinct types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, among others. Each condition has unique diagnostic criteria and can differ substantially from one another. 

The causes of eating disorders 

The development of eating disorders may stem from a myriad of interrelated factors, which encompass psychological, biological, and social elements. Psychologically, individuals with eating disorders often exhibit low self-esteem, perfectionism, or poor coping mechanisms in response to stress.

On a biological level, genetic predisposition can play a role, as specific genes are more likely to be associated with an increased risk for an eating disorder, and the brain's neurotransmitters (particularly serotonin) may contribute to the manifestation of these conditions.

In the realm of social factors, pervasive societal pressure to adhere to ideal body standards and familial and peer influences reinforce perceptions of self-worth or body image challenges that can impact eating disorders.

Types of eating disorders

Below are several of the most common eating disorders, their symptoms, and how to find treatment. 

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, a complex psychological eating disorder, has a long-standing history. Initially perceived as a religious phenomenon or an act of self-martyrdom, modern science has recognized it as a mental illness often requiring professional intervention to overcome.

Symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa can vary but commonly involve a relentless pursuit of thinness, extreme fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and severe dietary restrictions, often resulting in life-threatening malnutrition.

Treatment for this disorder may comprise a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating counseling, medical supervision, and nutritional guidance. Medical professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and dietitians collaborate to develop personalized therapeutic strategies to address the illness's physical and emotional aspects. If someone's illness has progressed to a life-threatening state, they may go through an inpatient hospitalization program or rehabilitation center for 24/7 support. 

Binge eating disorder (BED) 

Binge eating disorder is characterized by uncontrollable binging on significant amounts of food, usually in response to stress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. The causes of compulsive overeating are multifaceted and can be attributed to genetic factors, brain chemistry imbalances, and environmental influences. Researchers have identified that the neurotransmitter serotonin, responsible for controlling mood and appetite, often plays a significant role in BED. 

Treatment for compulsive overeating often addresses the condition's emotional and physical aspects. In addition, psychological interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy, support groups, and counseling can help individuals gain insight into inciting causes of overeating and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

In conjunction with therapeutic approaches, adjusting one's diet, incorporating regular physical activity, and implementing stress reduction techniques can significantly contribute to healing and promote long-term recovery from this condition. 

Bulimia nervosa 

Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is a severe and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives to prevent weight gain.

People with bulimia often experience a strong urge to consume significant amounts of food, even when not physically hungry. The consequences of this disorder can be severe, leading to electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and heart challenges. 

Diagnosing bulimia may involve a comprehensive medical assessment, including a physical exam, laboratory tests, and a psychiatric evaluation. Treatment for bulimia focuses on addressing the root causes of the disorder, often involving a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medication.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) 

ARFID is a mental illness that causes avoidant and restrictive eating habits and behaviors. For example, someone with this condition may avoid eating certain meals. This avoidance might come from fear of food, forgetfulness, symptoms of a co-occurring condition, or a lack of hunger. 

ARFID in adults may appear differently than in children. Adults are often responsible for their own meals, so individuals with ARFID might struggle to remember to cook. They might prefer to eat small snacks or one meal throughout the day. In some cases, they may forget to eat food at all, avoiding it due to aversion or a lack of hunger. 

The following are a few physical symptoms that may occur due to these behaviors: 

• Weight loss
• Dizziness or fainting 
• A lack of nutrients
• Dry skin
• Pale skin 
• Fatigue 
• Hair loss 
• Missed menstrual periods
• A weak immune system
• Difficulty concentrating
• Digestive challenges
• Insomnia or sleeping too often 

Adults with this eating disorder may also have a few foods they will eat, making their selections limited. If they do not have a wide range of nutrients, like iron, protein, or vitamins, in their food, they may start to experience symptoms of malnutrition. 

Risk factors for eating disorders

Research has shown that genetics can play a role in predisposing someone to eating disorders, as well as hormonal imbalances and irregularities in brain chemistry.

Environmental factors are also crucial in understanding the onset of eating disorders. For example, societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the influence of social media can increase the likelihood of an individual developing an unhealthy relationship with food.

Additionally, certain personality traits, such as perfectionism and low self-esteem, have been found to be present in many individuals with eating disorders. By being aware of these risk factors and working to address them, communities can make strides in reducing the prevalence of eating disorders and improving the lives of those affected.

Psychological risk factors

Psychological risk factors remain an essential aspect to consider when understanding the complexities of the human mind and its connection to overall well-being. These risk factors encompass multiple variables, often interwoven with individual experiences and susceptibilities contributing to developing mental health disorders.

Key contributors may include a person's genetic makeup, early life experiences, or trauma impacting their psychological resilience. Further, significant life events or persistent exposure to stressors may weaken an individual's psychological defenses and increase their vulnerability to mental health challenges.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Biological risk factors

Biological risk factors hold a significant influence in determining an individual's predisposition to various illnesses and conditions. Therefore, a more profound understanding of these risk factors can provide valuable insights for medical professionals, allowing them to design targeted intervention strategies. 

These factors encompass a range of genetic, biochemical, and physiological variables that can exist for an individual, making them more susceptible to certain diseases. For instance, inherited genetic mutations, unique metabolic profiles, and irregular hormone levels all constitute potential risk factors for developing chronic illnesses.

In the quest for personalized healthcare, exploring the relationships between these factors and disease onset enhances medical knowledge, benefiting clients worldwide by providing more effective treatment plans tailored to their biological makeup.

Social risk factors

Social risk factors for eating disorders may vary across cultural, economic, and environmental contexts and can influence a person's health and overall quality of life. Some examples of social risk factors include socioeconomic status, lack of supportive networks, limited availability of education, and exposure to violent environments.

Treatment for eating disorders 

The multifaceted nature of eating disorders can often make them challenging to address or understand for those impacted, which is why therapy can play a role in recovery. Engaging in therapeutic interventions designed to address the root causes of these disorders enables individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to food and body image. 

Modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectic behavior therapy (DBT), and exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) can offer unique approaches to uncovering underlying symptom causes and implementing actionable coping strategies.

The benefits of therapy for eating disorders extend beyond symptom management and include improved self-esteem, healthier relationships, and an enhanced quality of life. In addition, by committing to the therapeutic process, those living with eating disorders can build a solid foundation for lasting recovery and bolster their resilience against future challenges.

As a multifaceted treatment approach, therapy helps individuals confront their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to food, body image, and self-esteem. Incorporating evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based treatment, has significantly improved the recovery outcomes for those living with eating disorders.

Additionally, combining individual, group, and family therapy sessions allows for a comprehensive understanding and dismantling of these conditions' core issues. It can benefit partners and family members to participate in eating disorder treatment with the impacted individual to offer social support and encouragement, which can be vital to recovery. 

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Alternative counseling options 

Many people try in-person eating disorder counseling, but others may not be able to afford these services. In these cases, online counseling through platforms like BetterHelp can offer a cost-effective and unique way to receive support from home. 

Internet-based platforms often provide flexibility, convenience, and discretion for clients. When you sign up, you can choose between phone, video, and chat sessions. In addition, you can sign up with a nickname if you're uncomfortable using your real name. 

Studies have also backed up the effectiveness of these programs. One study looked at the long-term effectiveness of internet cognitive-behavioral therapy (I-CBT) and found that clients with eating disorders showed reduced maladaptive thoughts and body dissatisfaction after the intervention, substantially improving their quality of life.