Eating Disorder Treatment

An eating disorder is a mental health condition manifested through a difficult personal relationship with food. Although the most common eating disorders are Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, there are a wide spectrum of eating disorders requiring mental health treatment.

An eating disorder is a mental health condition cause by a multitude of highly individual and personal factors. The cause for an eating disorder varies amongst patients, but is often related to an existing anxiety disorder. That’s why at Cardinal Clinic we take a tailored approach to our eating disorder care by creating a custom treatment plan to meet each patients personal needs.

Common causes of Anorexia can include:

The exact cause of anorexia is unknown. It is likely to be a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. There are also certain factors that increase the risk of anorexia. Those with a close relative (a parent, sibling or child) who have had anorexia, increases the risk. Dieting can also be a risk factor for developing anorexia as starvation affects the brain and influences mood changes. Starvation and weight loss can cause changes in vulnerable people. They may continue with restrictive eating behaviours and find it difficult to return to normal eating habits. Change can also increase the risk; this could be a new job, loss of a loved one or a relationship breakdown.

Common causes of Bulimia can include:

• You, or a family member, has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug addiction
• You have been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight
• You are overly concerned about being slim, especially if you feel pressure from society or your job. Particular careers which may be at risk include dancers, athletes and modelling.
• If you have low self esteem, anxiety, obsessive personality or are a perfectionist
• You have been sexually abused

Common causes of Obesity can include:

Eating and drinking more calories than you burn causes weight gain. The excess calories you consume are stored as fat. You should bear in mind that some medical conditions or medication cause weight gain. A higher percentage of body fat is associated with an increased risk of developing certain diseases such a heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, certain cancers and a higher risk of early death.

Eating disorders, like any mental health condition, do not necessarily have a cure. At Cardinal Clinic our goal with any patient experiencing an eating disorder is to help them manage it in a way that results in a stable and good quality of life.

If someone is experiencing a difficult relationship with food that is impacting their everyday quality of life, they may have an eating disorder. However, it is best to consult with a medical professional as an eating disorder is a mental health condition.

Emotional and behavioural signs and symptoms with anorexia, which may include:

• Preoccupation with food, this can include cooking for others but not eating
• Frequently skipping meals and refusing to eat
• Denying being hungry or making excuses for not eating
• Eating only few “safe” foods which are usually low in fat and calories
• Adopting rigid rules around eating e.g chewing food and then spitting it out
• Not wanting to eat with others
• Lying about how much food has been eaten
• Repeated weighing and measuring of the body to ensure no weight has been gained
• Frequent checking in the mirror
• Complaining about being fat or that particular body parts are fat
• Wearing lots of layers of clothing to cover up
• Low mood
• Social withdrawal
• Insomnia
• Lack of libido

Eating disorders are varied and therefore may express themselves in different ways.

Symptoms of Anorexia could include:

• Extreme weight loss or not making developmental weight gains
• Thin appearance
• Abnormal blood results
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Dizziness or fainting
• Bluish discoloration of the fingers
• Hair that thins, breaks or falls out
• Soft, downy hair covering the body
• Periods stop
• Constipation and abdominal pain
• Dry or yellowish skin
• Not being able to tolerate the cold
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Swelling or arms or legs
• Poor dental health

Symptoms of Bulimia could include:

• Eating very large amounts of food in a short space of time and often in an out of control manner – this is known as binge eating
• Making yourself vomit, using laxatives or doing an excessive amount of exercise after a binge, to avoid putting on weight. This is known as purging.
• Fear of putting on weight
• Being very critical about your weight and body image
• Mood changes – for example, feeling very low or anxious

Symptoms of Obesity could include:

• Shortness of breath
• Increased perspiration
• Snoring
• Inability to cope with sudden physical activity
• Feeling very tired all the time
• Back and joint pain
• Low confidence and self esteem
• Skin problems
• Depression

Eating disorders can vary from person-to-person however there are three main categories of eating disorders, which are all classified as mental health conditions:

1. Anorexia: A mental health condition whereby people severely restrict the number of calories and food intake.
2. Bulimia: A mental health condition whereby people excessively eat and then find ways of getting rid of the food either through vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise, fasting or a combination of some or all of these.
3. Obesity: A mental health condition whereby a persons body fat puts them at risk for other serious health conditions and need help to regain their physical and mental health.