Eating disorders are pathologies related to eating behaviors that will negatively affect health, emotions and different important areas of daily life. Worrying excessively about food or body weight can indicate that there is an eating disorder.
In the next article we are going to talk to you about the types of eating disorders and How each of them can be treated.
Eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is mainly characterized by a significant reduction in calories, a great fear of gaining weight and a completely distorted perception of one's physique. People who suffer from anorexia nervosa They are very underweight to what would correspond to them according to their age or sex.
There are two types of anorexia nervosa:
- In the restrictive type, the person will severely limit calorie intake.
- The second type would be to eat excessively and then purge either vomiting or excessive physical exercise.
Regarding the causes, the following must be indicated: genetic factors, low self-esteem, anxiety problems and social factors.
bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by having episodes of binge eating followed by certain behaviors to avoid weight gain, csuch as induced vomiting, fasting or excessive exercise. Unlike what happens with anorexia, people who suffer from bulimia nervosa usually have a normal or adequate weight.
In the case of the reasons why a person suffers from this type of eating disorder, they are diverse: genetic factors, lack of trust, low self-esteem, high anxiety levels and social and cultural factors.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of overeating or excessive eating, during which the person feels that they have completely lost control over their eating. People who suffer from this type of disorder They are usually obese or have more extra kilos.
The reasons for binge eating disorder are usually stress, the Depression, anxiety or social pressure.
Avoidant/Restrictive Eating Disorder
This type of eating disorder will be characterized by a diet that It is extremely selective or an aversion to certain foods. This problem will cause the person to have a fairly significant nutritional deficit. It is therefore not based on a concern about weight or physique, as occurs in the case of anorexia or bulimia.
The factors that intervene in this type of disorder can be: biological, psychological such as anxiety or sociocultural type.
Pike
Pica is a type of eating disorder that will involve habitual consumption of non-nutritive and non-food substances, as is the case with earth, chalk or hair. This behavior must occur for at least a month and not be appropriate for the person's level of development.
The causes of this type of disorder can be several or diverse: stress or anxiety disorders, Gastrointestinal disorders or environmental factors.
Rumination disorder
Rumination disorder involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which can be chewed, swallowed again or spit out. This behavior must last for at least a month and not be associated with any type of medical condition.
The reasons for rumination disorder are several: gastrointestinal problems, high levels of stress and anxiety or sociocultural factors.
The best treatments for eating disorders
Psychological therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy It is the most used therapy when treating eating disorders. This type of therapy helps people change negative behavior patterns related to eating, weight, and physique.
- In the case of adolescents, family therapy It seeks to fully involve family members in order to help the patient and support him or her so that he or she can overcome this disorder.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy It is quite effective in treating bulimia and binge eating disorder. It helps people manage and control intense emotions and develop coping skills in a healthy way.
Medical and nutritional treatment
- medical supervision It is key when treating the physical complications that eating disorders can cause. This may include hospitalization of the person in severe cases of malnutrition.
- Nutritionists will help patients develop healthy and balanced eating habits.
Medication
- Antidepressants They are medications that can be very effective in treating bulimia and binge eating disorder, as well as factors of these types of disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- In cases of severe anorexia nervosa, antipsychotics They can be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety problems.
How to prevent eating disorders
- The education on the subject of eating disorders is essential when it comes to preventing this type of disorder.
- Promote eating habits that are healthy and balanced can help prevent the development of possible eating disorders.
- Full support from family, friends and mint health professionalsIt is essential when it comes to preventing and treating eating disorders. It is important to create supportive environments in order to help people with problems and feel understood without fear of being judged.
In short, eating disorders are not easy to treat and usually have quite serious consequences for physical and mental health. It is essential to be able to recognize possible symptoms in time and seek the best possible treatment. A good psychological therapy Together with good professional advice and the support of family and friends, it is key to overcoming this disorder. With an appropriate approach to this problem, it is possible to help those people who suffer from an eating disorder so that they can achieve the long-awaited well-being.