Posted on Oct 18th, 2011 |
There are many mental disorders that can wreak havoc on the personal lives of those suffering from them. One of the most damaging categories of mental disorders is eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. These three disorders are also joined by another catch-all term called eating disorder not otherwise specified, designated for eating disorders in which the symptoms do not fall neatly into the criteria of the disorders listed in the DSM-IV.
In an article on The Milford Daily News, Dr. Esther Dechant and Beth Mayer give an overview of eating disorders. Nearly one million men and 10 million women in the United States suffer from eating disorders, with many more cases suspected. Because of a high level of shame associated with the disorders, many individuals avoid seeking eating disorder treatment or admitting to loved ones that a problem exists.
While the specific causes of eating disorders are unknown, researchers are learning more about certain factors that increase the risk. Those who have a family history of eating disorders, who participate in activities or sports in which appearance or weight is carefully assessed, and those for whom being thin is especially important tend to be at a higher risk. Experts agree, however, that no particular biological or environmental trigger alone is the cause of an eating disorder.
Treating eating disorders is very difficult. Most individuals are treated on an outpatient basis, with efforts centering on various types of therapy and evaluations and coaching by medical staff and registered dietitians. In severe cases, the patient may require hospitalization or a residential eating disorder treatment program to regain stability.
Posted in Eating Disorders
Posted on Sep 20th, 2011 |
There is a high level of comorbidity among those with eating disorders. Many patients with anorexia or bulimia nervosa or eating disorders not otherwise specified are also diagnosed with mental disorders like depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Physicians often struggle to prescribe medications that yield the greatest benefit for patients who suffer from multiple disorders. (more…)
Posted in Eating Disorder Treatment
Posted on May 25th, 2011 |
Eating disorder sufferers often try many different things to overcome their eating disorders. Because extreme levels of exercise are often involved in the obsessions of individuals with eating disorders, finding a health level of activity is often difficult for those who are entrenched in pushing their activities to the limits. (more…)
Posted in Eating Disorder Treatment
Posted on May 16th, 2011 |
Eating disorders are often seen as a controllable, luxury ailment. Conditions such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa are not recognized as disorders caused by biological factors, and are sometimes not treated seriously by outsiders. (more…)
Posted in Eating Disorder Treatment
Posted on Nov 4th, 2010 |
In an explicit revelation, actress Portia de Rossi has exposed the darkest struggle of her life: a decades-long battle with eating disorders.
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Posted in Research & News
Posted on Oct 13th, 2010 |
Anorexia nervosa is a very secretive disorder. Individuals who struggle with eating disorders often hide their problems even from their immediate family members, and quickly learn how to hide dangerous behaviors to avoid being found out.
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Posted in Anorexia
Posted on Oct 5th, 2010 |
When treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa, involving parents in their therapy has been found to be twice as effective as individual psychotherapy in achieving full remission, according to a new study.
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Posted in Anorexia
Posted on Sep 28th, 2010 |
Eating disorders have most prominently been associated as "feminine" diseases, but the latest statistics are showing otherwise.
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Posted in Research & News
Posted on Sep 2nd, 2010 |
Compulsive eating has been described as a type of addiction since excessive overeating can affect the same reward system in the brain that is altered by substance abuse. Although compulsive eating is not currently classified as a distinct psychiatric disorder, recent research has not only revealed that compulsive eating shares similar characteristics with alcohol and drug addictions, but clinical treatment methods for compulsive drug disorders may also help treat compulsive eating behavior.
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Posted in Food Addiction
Posted on Aug 2nd, 2010 |
Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating and purging. Binge eating is defined as eating excessive calories in a relatively short amount of time, while purging follows by using vomiting or laxatives to prevent the food from causing any weight gain.
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Posted in Bulimia
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