Eating and Body Image Disorders

Body image is the mental representation that one creates in their mind, but it may or may not relate to how others see an individual. The skewed view that someone has of their body is a culprit affecting people across the globe, where ethnicity, culture, gender and age may all fall prey to it. According the the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders,  about 30 million Americans suffer from some sort of eating disorder. Eating disorders hold a record for having the highest mortality rate when compared to other mental illnesses; someone dies of an eating disorder every 62 minutes. There are copious numbers of eating disorders and, unfortunately, the statistics mentioned above don't begin to scratch the surface. Here are a few examples of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa: People reduce the amount of energy intake required for their weight, age, gender, development and physical health. Bulimia Nervosa: Individuals consume large amounts of food, and then purge, to reduce weight. Binge Eating Disorder: Eating large amounts of food in small periods of time. Avoidant?Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Children are not just finicky when it comes to this disorder, but they become malnourished because they restrict themselves form eating foods. Diabulimia: People with Type 1 diabetes purposely underuse insulin to control their weight. Treatment methods like other mental disorders and illnesses, should involve a diverse team of experts. It is recommended that professional caretakers include clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, physicians, primary care. Due to the severe toll that eating disorders may have on an individual's physical health, psychological therapy is not enough. It is also important if possible to incorporate family therapy, and support groups. Family based treatment is recommended. In severe cases, inpatient care may be necessary; the person suffering form the eating disorder will be hospitalized or placed in residential care. If you or someone you care about is suffering from an eating disorder, Mr Brooks is here to help. Please feel free to contact me through my website or by calling my office and an appointment can be scheduled.