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Food is not the real issue when it comes to eating disorders. The underlying cause is emotional distress and food is used as a way of dealing with this. Controlling the amount of food consumed helps the anorexic to feel in control. Bulimics have a compulsion to binge and then purge as a result of their self-loathing and helplessness. These disorders can continue for years and seriously affect both suffers and their loved ones. Eating disorder help has to be obtained as early as possible, giving the sufferer the best opportunity to recover.
These disorders may be difficult to pick up as sufferers hide their behavior as far as possible. However, there are certain warning signs that can give an indication that a problem may exist. Someone who always has an excuse not to eat or who only eats very small portions may have a problem. Taking diet pills and being aware of every calorie consumed are possible warning signs.
Bulimics who binge and then purge also exhibit certain telltale behavior such as stashing quantities of junk food. They will spend time in the bathroom after every meal. They may exercise frantically and use laxatives or diuretics. There may even be physical signs such as discoloration of their teeth from exposure to stomach acid when throwing up.
Without the necessary treatment, these illnesses have little chance of improving. Research has showed that 20 percent of those who suffer from anorexia die before their time and bulimia can cause severe medical repercussions. This is why it is so important for the issue to be addressed as soon as possible.
However, if there is any possibility that a problem exists, it must be addressed and the way in which this is done is very important. Concerns should be voiced in a firm but non-confrontational manner. An adolescent who cannot open up to a parent, might find it easier to speak to a school counselor or a religious leader. If there is an acknowledgement of a problem, the next step is to help the sufferer to get the right assistance. A doctor will be able to give a diagnosis and assess whether any medical complications exist.
Treatment often involves a combined approach of individual therapy, group therapy, nutritional support and psychiatric care. Nutritional advice may involve designing meal plans and formulating goals of how to reach a healthy body weight. Therapy helps with exploring underlying issues and a peer-led support group can give the sufferer a safe place to verbalize feelings about food, share experiences and reduce the shame being felt.
If the sufferer shows a lack of improvement in an outpatient setting, inpatient care may be required. If a person is severely under weight, many different medical problems can result and this usually requires hospitalization. Setbacks can occur and it may take some time before any results are seen.
The loved ones of sufferers must not be so impatient to see results that they put too much pressure on the sufferer. Recovery involves more than just gaining back some weight. Every little step of progress both physically and emotionally should be appreciated. Although recovery is not easy, it is certainly possible.
These disorders may be difficult to pick up as sufferers hide their behavior as far as possible. However, there are certain warning signs that can give an indication that a problem may exist. Someone who always has an excuse not to eat or who only eats very small portions may have a problem. Taking diet pills and being aware of every calorie consumed are possible warning signs.
Bulimics who binge and then purge also exhibit certain telltale behavior such as stashing quantities of junk food. They will spend time in the bathroom after every meal. They may exercise frantically and use laxatives or diuretics. There may even be physical signs such as discoloration of their teeth from exposure to stomach acid when throwing up.
Without the necessary treatment, these illnesses have little chance of improving. Research has showed that 20 percent of those who suffer from anorexia die before their time and bulimia can cause severe medical repercussions. This is why it is so important for the issue to be addressed as soon as possible.
However, if there is any possibility that a problem exists, it must be addressed and the way in which this is done is very important. Concerns should be voiced in a firm but non-confrontational manner. An adolescent who cannot open up to a parent, might find it easier to speak to a school counselor or a religious leader. If there is an acknowledgement of a problem, the next step is to help the sufferer to get the right assistance. A doctor will be able to give a diagnosis and assess whether any medical complications exist.
Treatment often involves a combined approach of individual therapy, group therapy, nutritional support and psychiatric care. Nutritional advice may involve designing meal plans and formulating goals of how to reach a healthy body weight. Therapy helps with exploring underlying issues and a peer-led support group can give the sufferer a safe place to verbalize feelings about food, share experiences and reduce the shame being felt.
If the sufferer shows a lack of improvement in an outpatient setting, inpatient care may be required. If a person is severely under weight, many different medical problems can result and this usually requires hospitalization. Setbacks can occur and it may take some time before any results are seen.
The loved ones of sufferers must not be so impatient to see results that they put too much pressure on the sufferer. Recovery involves more than just gaining back some weight. Every little step of progress both physically and emotionally should be appreciated. Although recovery is not easy, it is certainly possible.
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