Eating Disorders Symptoms and Treatment Protocols

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders (e.g., Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Disorder, and Overeating Disorder) are characterized by extremes in emotion, behavior, and attitude that center on food and personal weight.  Eating disorders are not, strictly speaking, limited to psychological determinants.

Other Factors that Influence Eating Disorders

Aside from behavioral and emotional issues that contribute to eating disorders, evidence suggests that physiological factors such as low Serotonin levels and other genetically related issues also increase the severity and at times life-threatening nature of eating disorders.  Depressed levels of the neurotransmitter, Serotonin, can lead to depressive states that trigger the urge to turn to food for consolation, comfort, and pleasure.  Depression and anxiety are marked side effects from protein deficiency and malnutrition.  The underlining cause of many mental disorders is often related to inadequate or poor nutrition.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexia is characterized by extreme weight loss and self-imposed starvation.  Bulimia is characterized by binge-eating immediately followed by purging.  Large quantities of food are ingested and quickly eliminated from the body in numerous ways.

Symptoms of Anorexia and Bulimia Include:

Critical and rapid weight loss

Extreme weight consciousness (e.g., abuse of laxatives, over exercising)

Frequent trips to the bathroom immediately after having a meal

Self-imposed starvation ritual

Aggressively and openly gorging on food

Hiding food consumption and elimination

Bizarre eating habits (e.g., chewing without swallowing or cutting food up into miniscule pieces, then refusing to eat it)

Hiding food in unusual places to avoid eating or eating later

Light-headedness, headaches, poor skin tone, hair loss

Infrequent menstruation

Manic sexual appetite

Difficulty sleeping

Poor circulation

Heart irregularities (e.g., arrhythmia, palpitations)

Low blood pressure

Signs and Symptoms of Binge Disorder and Overeating Disorder

A binge disorder is characterized as uncontrollable eating without purging.  People suffering from a binge disorder struggle with psychological issues of mood swings, depression, and anxiety.  The disorder of overeating is characterized as a combination of Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge eating.

Symptoms of Binge Disorder and Overeating Disorder Include:

Pronounced irrational fears of uncontrollable eating

Experience of extreme discomfort when eating with other people

Attaching self-worth and value to weight

Attributes all personal faults and failures to weight

Food pack rat (e.g., hoarding)

Develops shortness of breath with light exertion

Leg and joint pain from carrying excess weight

Severe depression and anxiety

Difficulty sleeping

Feels helpless to successfully lose weight

Treatment Protocols for Eating Disorders

When a patient is diagnosed with an eating disorder, the presiding physician must determine if the patient is in a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical or psychiatric intervention.  Medical hospitalization is often suggested in the presence of any cardiac irregularity such as arrhythmia or hypotension.  Electrolyte abnormalities such as hypokalemia can lead to a life-endangering situation and require immediate attention.  Electrolyte dehydration and disturbance can be promptly restored by fluids and supplemental nutrients.  Treatment protocols for eating disorders implement a behavioral model with the immediate goal of increasing nutritional intake.  Hospitalized patients that demonstrate a willingness to eat healthier meals and normalize their weight levels are rewarded with some type of tangible privilege, while patients that refuse to cooperate have privileges withdrawn until compliance is obtained.  The treatment goal is to ultimately decrease bulimic behavior.

Burning Tree Can Help People Suffering From Eating Disorders

Treatment for eating disorders usually requires a long-term commitment on the part of a team of specialists comprised of a psychiatrist, dietician or nutritionist, and physician.  Burning Tree specializes in providing long-term rehabilitation and treatment for eating disorders in a residential community located in some of the most beautiful hillside regions of Texas.  At Burning Tree, our team of specialists can provide private and group therapy, nutritional counseling, Twelve Step study and discussion groups, and exercise programs to individuals that are diagnosed in stabilized physical condition.  Call or visit one of our locations in Dallas and Austin today.  Find out how we can design an individualized program for eating disorders that fits your needs and places no time limit on length of stay.  Come and discover how Burning Tree can restore healthy eating patterns and help maintain ideal weight levels with a balanced, nutritional approach to eating.