My daughter’s eating
habits have changed drastically over the last few months. I
think she might have an eating disorder. What are the major
kinds of eating disorders?
•
People with anorexia
nervosa have a distorted body image that causes them to
see themselves as overweight even when they're dangerously
thin. Often refusing to eat, exercising compulsively,
and developing unusual habits such as refusing to eat
in front of others, they lose large amounts of weight
and may even starve to death.
•
Individuals with bulimia
nervosa eat excessive quantities of food, and then purge
their bodies of the food and calories they fear by using
laxatives, enemas, or diuretics, vomiting and/or exercising.
Often acting in secrecy, they feel disgusted and ashamed
as they binge; yet relieved of tension and negative emotions
once their stomachs are empty again.
•
Like people with bulimia,
those with binge eating disorder experience frequent episodes
of out-of-control eating. The difference is that binge
eaters don't purge their bodies of excess calories.
It's important to prevent problematic
behaviors from evolving into full-fledged eating disorders.
Anorexia and bulimia for example, usually are preceded by very
strict dieting and weight loss. Binge eating disorder can begin
with occasional binging. Whenever eating behaviors start having
a destructive impact on someone's functioning or self-image,
it's time to see a highly trained mental health professional,
such as a licensed psychologist experienced in treating people
with eating disorders.
For professional assistance
with eating disorders please call Wellnet on 084 944 9444 and
a consultant will refer you to a counselor in your area.
