EATING DISORDER TREATMENT

Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be very serious conditions affecting physical, psychological and social function. Types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, other specified feeding and eating disorder, pica and rumination disorder.

Evidence suggests that genes and heritability play a part in why some people are at higher risk for an eating disorder, but these disorders can also afflict those with no family history of the condition. Treatment should address psychological, behavioral, nutritional and other precursors. Through nutrition therapy, the client learns the scientific reasons why the body and mind require nourishment for optimal functioning. Counseling explores the pros and cons of the eating disorder behavior, leading to an appreciation for how the eating disorder functions as a coping mechanism, while it also endangers the person’s health, viability, and joy of living.