Treatment programs
disorders treated
Eating disorders
Quick facts
Eating Disorders have become very common in our society. Although it generally affects women, men too are now coming to clinics with eating disorders. These are not new disorders. Although anorexia nervosa was first defined as a medical problem in 1873, descriptions of self-starvation have been found in medieval writings.
Eating Disorders seemed to be the result of a number of stresses, events, experiences and even brain illnesses. They can be brought on by a complex interplay of factors, which may include emotional and personality disorders, family pressures, a possible genetic or biologic susceptibility, and a culture in which there is an overabundance of food and an obsession with thinness. Common signs of a problem are a pre occupation with the body, a need for control and perfection, difficult interpersonal relationships and a low self-esteem.
It seems that irrespective of the initial triggers, the eating disorder can become a rigid pattern which is difficult to change.
common sypmtoms
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa is the result of individual, cultural and family factors. It affects approximately 1% of the population. The person may start to diet because of difficulties with their family, an experience of failure in their life, stress, a need to be perfect or unhappiness with their body or self.
The person is generally sensitive to their appearance and weight and maybe preoccupied with how their society views weight and beauty. When they start to diet, they may be initially rewarded by their weight loss and sense of achievement. Later they fear getting fat and keep dieting and losing weight.
Anorexia Nervosa is diagnosed when the person's weight is 15% below what would be expected. The person has an intense fear of becoming fat, and perceives themselves as overweight.
Other features of anorexia nervosa may include excessive exercising, isolation from friends, depression, difficulty sleeping, poor circulation, feeling cold and the growth of hair all over the body.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is more common than anorexia with up to 3% of the population affected. Bulimics may also be anorexic. These people tend to be older and may be of normal weight or be overweight.
The bulimic has strict rules about foods which, they can or can't eat. These are generally impossible to follow. If the bulimic breaks a rule about their diet they tend to abandon all self-control.
For example, a rule may be 'no chocolate' but because of hunger cravings or pure temptation they decide to try a little piece of chocolate. However, because they have broken their rule they may think 'I've blown it now' and continue to eat the whole block of chocolate or go on to a binge episode. To relieve their guilt about eating the wrong food and eating so much they may turn to purging (vomiting or laxatives) as a solution.
A diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa is made when there are repeated episodes of binge eating with an obvious lack of control and purging or vigorous exercise to prevent weight gain. This occurs an average of two episodes a week for at least three weeks.
Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified
A third category called eating disorders not other specified (NOS) was established to define eating disorders not specifically defined as anorexia and bulimia. This category includes binge eating without purging, infrequent binge-purge episodes (occurring less than twice a week or such behaviour lasting less than three months), repeated chewing and spitting without swallowing large amounts of food, or normal weight in people who exhibit anorexic behaviour.
Further reading
options for Treatment
Treatment of eating disorders usually involves medication and psychotherapy as directed by your psychiatrist. If the person is extremely underweight a hospital admission may be recommended.
Psychotherapy involves a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. The aims of therapy include...
Educational Sessions
To provide information about the nature of eating disorders, their consequences and the establishment of meal plans to encourage regular, healthy eating.
Cognitive Therapy
To enable the patient to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs to do with food, eating, body image and themselves. This also includes addressing issues of perfection, control and expectations of themself and to encourage them to take responsibility for the process of change.
Coping Skills Development
To enable patients to develop practical strategies to deal with their unhelpful eating habits and to teach alternative coping styles.
Lifestyle Issues
To encourage patients to review factors that maintain the eating disorder and look at alternatives including increasing variety of life activities and social contact.
Self Esteem Building
To encourage patients to begin taking care of themselves, having more of their needs met appropriately and learning to set appropriate limits for themselves and others.
Relapse Prevention
To prepare patients for setbacks in their progress and managing themselves after discharge from the programme.
Follow-up is usually an important part of therapy as the recovery period from an eating disorder is usually slow and long.
Eating Disorders Program
n admission to Perth Clinic is likely if you are extremely underweight. The main aim of admission is usually weight stabilisation or weight gain and to begin therapy. Otherwise you can attend the programme as an outpatient.
All patients are encouraged to participate in the therapy programme. Therapy is conducted on a group or individual basis by professionals experienced in the treatment of eating disorders.
Psychotherapy involves a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.
Follow-up is usually an important part of therapy as the recovery period from an eating disorder is usually slow and long. The follow-ups are conducted both by the psychiatrist and therapist.