Toronto, Famly Therapy, Counseling
Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that interferes with maintaining an adequate weight. It is a psychological condition, in which individuals restrict food and obsessively control weight in order to stay thin, as it is believed that thinness equals self-worth. These individuals often have a distorted sense of body image or even body dysmorphic disorder . Though this condition most often affects young girls and women, it can occur in anyone. Many individuals with anorexia nervosa often also struggle with depression , anxiety , social anxiety , obsessive-compulsive disorder , and may have a history of trauma or PTSD . Individuals with anorexia may try to lose weight through starvation, exercising excessively, or vomiting. 


Warning signs of anorexia nervosa may include: 

  • Extreme thinness



  • Fear of gaining weight 


  • Irritability 



  • An intense preoccupation with food


  • Weight loss (or a lack of appropriate weight gain in children) 


  • Frequent abdominal pain or gastrointestinal concerns


  • Dizziness or fainting 


  • Feeling cold all the time
  • Low iron or anemia 



  • Social withdrawal 


  • Feelings of hopelessness



  • Dressing in clothing that disguises one’s body shape


  • Not feeling hungry


  • Making excuses to avoid meals 



How is anorexia nervosa treated? 

Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand how negative thoughts and feelings about oneself and food is connected to disordered eating. CBT can also help individuals learn to manage feelings, cope with stress, and increase self-esteem.


If you or someone you know is struggling with Anorexia Nervosa, contact us to see how we can help.

Binge Eating

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of excessive overeating, often rapidly, to the point of discomfort or pain. Individuals with binge eating disorder often struggle with controlling their eating habits and may be secretive about their eating. Episodes of binging often include eating more rapidly than normal, eating large amounts of food when not hungry, eating alone, and feelings of disgust or shame during or after bingeing.


Symptoms of Binge eating disorder may include:

  • Changes in body weight 


  • Dressing in layers to disguise one’s body shape 


  • Disappearance of food or hoarding food in secret

 



  • Buying lots of food
  • Eating very rapidly


  • Social withdrawal and isolation 


  • Organizing life around bingeing episodes 


  • Hoarding food 


  • Mood swings



Binge eating disorder can contribute to a variety of health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, fatigue, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. Binge eating disorder has also been found to be related to anxiety , depression , bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders .

How is binge eating disorder treated?

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help individuals address the relationship between negative thoughts and behaviours related to eating, body image, and weight. Additionally, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) can help individuals learn alternative ways to cope with negative experiences and regulate emotions.


If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating, contact us to see how we can help.

Bulimia Nervosa

While many individuals have concerns about weight or appearance, individuals with bulimia nervosa have a severe preoccupation with their body size. This preoccupation is characterized by periods of compulsive overeating as well as periods of either purging or restriction in order to compensate for the amount of food consumed. However, the most common is a cycle of bingeing and purging. 


Common warning signs of bulimia nervosa include: 



  • Purging after beginning by vomiting, over-exercising, fasting, or using laxatives 


  • Weight change, including weight loss or weight gain


  • Swelling in the face


  • Tooth pain or discoloured teeth


  • Bloating


  • Dehydration


  • Calluses or cuts on the hands/knuckles as a result of purging 


  • Restricting food intake 




  • Purging, or often taking trips to the bathroom after meals 


  • Anxiety, especially in social settings 


  • Concern with body weight or shape 

Bulimia nervosa can often occur alongside depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as PTSD or a history of trauma.

Bulimia nervosa can often occur alongside depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as PTSD or a history of trauma. 

 

These binging and purging behaviours can cause several health problems including: 

  • Sore throat or esophagus, or mouth sores 



  • Decaying teeth, caused by exposure to stomach acid when vomiting


  • Fluctuating weight 


  • Gastrointestinal problems 
  • Dehydration 



  • Bad breath


  • Low blood pressure 


  • Abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, or death

How is bulimia nervosa treated? 

Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand how negative thoughts and feelings about oneself and food is connected to disordered eating. CBT can also help individuals learn to manage feelings, cope with stress, and increase self-esteem.


If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia nervosa, contact us to see how we can help.

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