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WHAT IS AN EATING DISORDER?
Eating disorders (EDs) are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person's emotional and physical health.
EDs are not just a "fad" or a "phase" that someone experiences briefly and overcomes. People do not "catch" an ED. They are real, complex, and devastating conditions that interfere with productivity, relationships and health.
Individuals who struggle with EDs must obtain professional guidance. The earlier an individual seeks assistance, the greater the likelihood of long-term physical and emotional recovery.
TYPES OF EATING DISORDERS:
ANOREXIA NERVOSA: characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Symptoms include: 1) refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for height, body type, age, and activity level; 2) Intense fear of weight gain or "being fat"; 3) feeling "fat" or overweight despite their actual weight; 4) loss of menstrual periods; 5) extreme over concern with body weight and shape.
Physical health consequences of anorexia nervosa:
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abnormally slow heart rate, low blood pressure with great risk of heart failure;
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reduction of bone density (osteoporosis) resulting in dry, brittle bones;
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muscle loss and weakness;
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severe dehydration, resulting in kidney failure;
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fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness;
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dry hair and skin; hair loss is common;
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growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an attempt to keep the body warm.
BULIMIA NERVOSA: characterized by a secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. A binge is defined clinically as eating a large amount of food - more than most people would eat in one meal- in a short period of time while feeling a lack of control. Purging is defined as getting rid of the food consumed through vomiting, abuse of laxatives, or over-exercising. Symptoms include: 1) repeated episodes of bingeing and purging; 2) feeling out of control during a binge and eating beyond the point of comfortable fullness; 3) purging after a binge, typically by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives and /or diuretics, excessive exercise, or fasting (restricting all food); 4) frequent dieting; 5) extreme concern with body weight and shape; 6) intense fear of being "fat".
Physical health consequences of bulimia nervosa:
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electrolyte imbalances that lead to irregular heartbeat and possible heart failure and death. The electrolyte imbalances are caused by losses of potassium and sodium from the body dehydration as a result of purging behaviors;
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inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting;
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tooth decay and/or staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting;
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peptic ulcers and pancreatis;
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chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse; 6) potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing.
BINGE EATING DISORDER/COMPULSIVE OVEREATING: characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge. Individuals who overeat compulsively may struggle with anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can contribute to their unhealthy episodes of binge eating. Body weight may vary from normal to mild, moderate, or severe obesity.
Physical health consequences of binge eating disorder:
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high blood pressure;
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high cholesterol levels;
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heart disease as a result of elevated triglyceride levels;
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secondary diabetes;
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gallbladder disease
GENERAL TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER:
Do:
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Learn about eating disorders (EDs) so you can recognize the signs when you see them;
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Understand the consequences of EDs on physical and psychological health. EDs are potentially fatal diseases and must be treated accordingly;
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Listen to the individual with understanding, respect and sensitivity;
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Tell the individual you are concerned, you care, and you would like to help. Suggest that the individual seek professional assistance from a therapist;
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Be available when your friend/family member needs a shoulder to lean on or an ear to hear them;
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Discuss things other than food, weight, counting calories and exercise. Attempt to discuss feelings instead;
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Share your own vulnerabilities and struggles in coping with life.
Don't:
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Don't take any action alone. Get help.
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Don't try to solve her problems for her. She requires professional help.
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Don't gossip about her.
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Don't focus on weight, the number of calories she consumes, particular eating habits, or give diet advice.
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Don't blame her for doing something wrong or tell her she is acting silly.
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Don't reject or ignore her; she needs you.
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Don't get over-involved in a power struggle around eating or other symptoms.
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Don't stare during meals.
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Don't be deceived by her excuses.
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Don't be afraid to upset her; talk with her.
ED Prevention Tips for Parents:
Do:
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Examine your own beliefs and feelings about body image and weight; consider how these might be communicated to your children in your attitudes, comments or non-verbal responses.
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Encourage and model healthy eating.
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Allow your child to determine when (s)he is full.
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Talk about different body types and how they can all be accepted and appreciated.
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Discuss the dangers of overeating and under-eating.
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Educate about the benefits of activity, not to purge fat or compensate for calories consumed, but for the joy of feeling your body move and function effectively.
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Encourage your child to be active and to enjoy what their bodies can do for them.
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Take seriously what your child is saying, feeling, and doing, not for how they look.
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Make a commitment to help children appreciate and resist ways in with television, magazines and other media distort the true diversity or human body types and imply that a slender body means power, excitement, and sexuality.
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Learn about the dangers of trying to alter ones body shape through dieting.
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Learn about the value of moderate exercising toward stamina and cardiovascular fitness.
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Learn about the importance of eating a variety of foods in well-balanced meals consumed at least and up to six times a day.
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Love your child unconditionally regardless of weight, shape or size.
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Do whatever you can to promote the self-esteem and self-respect of your children in intellectual, athletic, and social endeavors.
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Give boys and girls the same opportunities and encouragement.
Don't:
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Don't label foods as "good/safe/no-fat or low-fat versus bad/dangerous/fattening."
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Don't use food as a reward or punishment.
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Don't comment on weight or body types; yours, your childs or anyone elses
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Don't diet or encourage your child to diet.
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Don't weigh your child and make negative comments.
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Don't allow your childs siblings or other family members/friends to ridicule, blame or tease your child
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Don't avoid activities simply because they call attention to your childs weight and shape (swimming, sunbathing, dancing, etc)
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Don't limit your childs caloric intake unless a physician requests that you do this because of medical problems.
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Don't emphasize beauty, body shape, size or weight.
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Don't convey that you will "love you even more if you just lost a little weight or "dont eat so much."
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Don't suggest that females are less important than males. (ie) exempting boys from housework.
A well-rounded self and solid self-esteem are perhaps the best antidotes to mindless dieting and disordered eating.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has an eating disorder, please contact an eating disorders expert in your area. To find a therapist in your area visit www.psychologytoday.com or your State Psychological Association.
Eating disorders are serious health conditions that can be both physically and emotionally destructive. People with eating disorders need to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly enhances recovery. If not identified or treated in their early stages, eating disorders can become chronic, debilitating, and even life-threatening conditions.
Treatment is Available. Recovery is Possible.
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What does treatment involve?
The most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs. Ideally, this treatment should be tailored to the individual and will vary according to both the severity of the disorder and the patient's particular problems, needs, and strengths.
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Psychological counseling must address both the eating disordered symptoms and the underlying psychological, interpersonal, and cultural forces that contributed to the eating disorder. Typically care is provided by a licensed health professional, including but not limited to a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, nutritionist, and/or medical doctor. Care should be coordinated and provided by a health professional with expertise and experience in dealing with eating disorders.
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Many people with eating disorders respond to outpatient therapy, including individual, group, or family therapy and medical management by their primary care provider. Support groups, nutritional counseling, and psychiatric medications under careful medical supervision have also proven helpful for some individuals.
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Hospital Based Care (including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and/or residential care in an eating disorders specialty unit or facility) is necessary when an eating disorder has led to physical problems that may be life-threatening, or when it is associated with severe psychological or behavioral problems.
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The exact treatment needs of each individual will vary. It is important for individuals struggling with an eating disorder to find a health professional they trust to help coordinate and oversee their care.
(National Eating Disorder Association, 2005)
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