Eating disorders are medical conditions which are characterized by a significant disruption in standard eating habits as well as general health. Although there are a number of different types of eating disorders, the two most common types of eating disorders in Los Angeles are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. All types of disorders associated with eating have both physical as well as psychological health risks and they require professional treatment from a variety of angles in order to have a successful recovery. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder it is essential the appropriate steps are taken to ensure they are safe and healthy.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is one of the most common types of eating disorders in Los Angeles, as well as one of the most deadly. Although anorexia can affect both males and females, about 90% of those being treated for anorexia are teenage girls and moderately young women. This specific eating disorder is characterized by an unwillingness to maintain and/or reach a healthy body weight and is combined with a profound disconnection between the sufferer’s perceived weight and their actual weight. The majority of anorexic patients believe they are “fat,” despite what everyone else tells them. They often look in the mirror and perceive a false representation of what their body actually looks like. Due to their strong belief they are overweight the person will take drastic steps to avoid gaining any weight, including a drastic reduction in food intake, ingest diuretics and laxatives, undergo excess exercise routines and vomiting in order to remedy their false perceptions about their body weight.
Treatment for Anorexia
Treating someone with anorexia begins with providing the person with the proper nutrition in an attempt to get their weight to a healthy level. In extreme cases, the person may be admitted into an inpatient clinic setting in order for them to be carefully monitored. In some situations, the use of a feeding tube and/or intravenous nutrition is used if the person continues to refuse food. Once they have reached a safe weight, they will begin psychotherapy as part of the treatment in order to help get to the underlying cause of the anorexic behaviors. Once the person has recovered, continued treatment includes regular visits to a psychologist and a nutritionist in order to maintain their recovery.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is an equally serious eating disorder which is characterized by bouts of binge eating followed by purging via way of vomiting and/or laxatives. In some situations, if bulimia goes untreated it may compound into anorexia. Males tend to be bulimic as opposed to anorexic, while females are prone to anorexia over bulimia. Bulimia may develop as a result of another eating disorder known as binge eating; excessive eating which often leads to feelings of being out of control with eating and is typically followed by intense remorse, which then in turn results in more binge eating.
All eating disorders have symptoms which center on food and/or body image. An eating disorder can be identified by the development of strange eating habits such as a dramatic reduction in the amount of food being consumed, frequent and long trips to the bathroom after eating, eating in private and/or only eating foods which are thought to be “safe” foods. Eating disorders are often a result from ignored underlying psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Eating disorders are extremely serious conditions and should be treated as soon as you suspect someone is displaying symptoms. If the disorder is not properly and effectively treated it can lead to a slew of unfavorable circumstances. For more information regarding eating disorders and substance abuse as well as their rehabilitation, confer with the professionals found at Adolescent Growth, a reputable rehabilitation facility located in the Los Angeles area.
