An Understanding Of Eating Disorders

The modern world is obsessive about body image and the desire to look perfect. This obsessive fear leads to many eating disorders. These are common in women in the age group of 16 to 23 but the age and sex parameters are getting blurred progressively. Some common disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge eating. These disorders can be debilitating and in rare cases even be fatal.

Let us discuss the disorders that can play havoc with a young person’s psyche and body.

• Anorexia Nervosa sufferers have a typical fear of gaining weight. They have an unrealistic perception of their own body image. They refuse to maintain healthy body weight. The aversion to food stems from their view that they are grossly overweight, when the actual issue is being under-weight. Anorexia can cause nutritional deficits, bone loss, heart problems and infertility. The psychological impact is huge too.
• Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that is typically manifested by a spate of binge eating followed by forced purging in the form of vomiting or consuming laxatives and diuretics. There might be a tendency to exercise excessively. The fear of weight gain and a severely negative body image is the root cause of this problem. This cycle is generally pursued in secret and creates feelings of guilt and shame that can be pervasive and can make the patient feel out of control. Bulimia can lead to serious gastrointestinal imbalances, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that lead to heart disease.
• Binge eating disorder or BED has one similarity with Bulimia. The patient tends to eat indiscriminately, and that too calorie dense satiating food. But this is not followed by compensatory behavior. This culminates in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other related problems. The psychological issues can be debilitating guilt, embarrassment due to uncontrollable eating and distress. This in turn makes the disorder worse. This vicious cycle needs to be arrested with appropriate medical intervention.

Causes of Eating Disorders

These disorders are complex and have various deep seated causes. The combination of environmental abnormalities, genetics and psychological issues can cause these issues. An irregular hormone assay may also be a factor in creating situations that lead to eating disorders.

An array of psychological issues like negative body image and poor self-esteem can also be a part of the problem. A dysfunctional family dynamic can lead to stress. The role models like models, dancers or actors can project an image that the impressionable youth want to emulate and fall headlong into the abyss of mental health issues. 

There are many instances when underlying issues like sexual abuse, and other childhood traumas that need to be resolved to reach the root cause of eating disorders. Peer pressure or even stress at work can lead to mental illness like eating disorders.

Treatment for an Eating Disorder

The symptoms of eating disorders can be complex and debilitating. The treatment has to be multi-pronged. Restoration of both physical and mental health has to be a priority. The first step is to seek medical help to address any health issues that may have cropped up due to the eating disorder. Nutritional needs of the patient should also be looked into by creating individualized diets.

Therapy is also integral to the rehabilitation and stabilization of patients who suffer from eating disorders. Different types of psychotherapy are required to treat the case. The family and immediate circle needs to be included in the therapy as well. It will help in recovery as the patient gathers support to heal from trauma and negative life events. They can learn healthy coping skills and how to express emotions in a positive way. Relationships can be helped by counselling. The progress can be measured and quantified.

It is very important for parents, friends and family to look for signs of these mental health issues and seek professional help immediately.