Disordered Eating Patterns
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are outward signs of inner problems. Sufferers use eating
as a way of coping with difficulties in their life. Because of this, close
attention must be paid to the underlying psychological cause of the disturbed
eating pattern. Eating disorders are not trivial. They are serious and
complex illnesses. requiring professional help. If left untreated, they
may persist throughout life.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of age, gender or background.
However, young women are most vulnerable, especially between the ages
of 15-21.
Trigger factors
The root causes of eating disorders are not fully known. Recent research
suggests that sufferers may inherit a weakness for the condition, although
it seems clear that environmental pressures are also very important.
For example, sufferers may
be influenced by a key person in their life whose attitude to food or
body shape may adversely affect their own attitude to these things. Alternatively,
they may come under severe exam or career-related pressure and turn to
eating as a way of coping with these stresses.
Other triggers may include
traumatic events like bereavement, family break-up, family relocation,
bullying, abuse or the break-up of a relationship.
The sufferer must want to get better
As stated above, eating disorders are serious illnesses and require professional
care. However, such third party care is rarely sufficient. The sufferers
themselves must also recognize their condition and want to get better.
Otherwise any improvements will be temporary. This is why eating disorders
are so difficult to deal with and why expert help is needed.
Treatment
There are several methods of treatment although statistics show that recovery
cannot be guaranteed. Such treatments include:
Early diagnosis is important
Eating disorders may become more intractable with time. Hence, early diagnosis
and treatment is vital. For example, if you suspect that your child or
friend may be suffering from an eating disorder, it is vital that you
contact your doctor for advice. In this context, please be aware that
many sufferers tend to hide their condition and, if challenged, deny it's
existence completely.
Specific eating disorders
For details, click Anorexia, Bulimia,
Binge Eating, How
To Stop Bingeing
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