Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious and often life-threatening mental health conditions that are not simply about food or weight. They are complex illnesses marked by severe disturbances in a person's thoughts and behaviors related to eating, body shape, and body weight. While it's normal to have occasional concerns about health or appearance, a person with an eating disorder becomes fixated on controlling their food intake, leading to unhealthy and dangerous patterns.
Eating disorders can lead to severe medical complications and frequently coexist with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, OCD and substance use disorders, which can further complicate and intensify the illness.
Types and Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
This is characterized by severe food restriction and an intense, irrational fear of gaining weight, even when underweight. Symptoms can include distorted body image, refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, and an obsession with body shape and size.
Bulimia Nervosa
Individuals with bulimia nervosa engage in a cycle of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors (purging) to prevent weight gain. These behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Binge Eating Disorder
Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time. These episodes are often accompanied by a feeling of a lack of control and a sense of guilt, shame, or distress afterward. Unlike bulimia, these episodes are not followed by purging behaviors.
Our Approach
Eating disorders can be treated successfully. The earlier a person receives professional help, the better their chances are for a full and lasting recovery.
Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey that requires compassion, patience, and professional support. At Elevate Wellness & Psychiatry, we believe in a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of the illness.
Our care team works with you to create a personalized plan that may include:
Therapy
We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address the underlying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that fuel the disorder.
Medical Monitoring
We ensure your physical health is stable and address any medical complications that may arise.
Nutritional Counseling
Our team helps you re-establish a healthy and balanced relationship with food, challenging food-related fears and restoring a normal eating pattern.
Supportive Environment
We work with you and your loved ones to build a strong support system that encourages long-term recovery.
Elevate Wellness & Psychiatry is here to provide a safe space and guidance, helping you heal your relationship with yourself and with food.