If you’re concerned that your loved one may be struggling with an eating disorder, it’s essential to know the signs and symptoms. Eating disorders can be dangerous and often go untreated, so recognizing the early signs of an eating disorder is crucial in getting your loved one the help they need.
Alleviant Health Centers of Rogers offers eating disorder treatment programs designed to help patients restore their health and wellness. Our team of experts provides comprehensive care that includes medical stabilization, nutritional counseling, and psychological support. Call 479.309.1427 to speak to someone from our team about symptoms of eating disorders and how we can help.
What Are the Signs of an Eating Disorder?
Some general signs may indicate that your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, such as:
- Avoidance of social situations
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Disordered eating behaviors, such as bingeing, purging, or restrictive eating
- Extreme mood swings
- Excessively high or low energy levels
- Isolation and withdrawal from friends and family
- Preoccupation with food, weight, or body image
- Unhealthy weight loss or gain
If you notice any of these symptoms of eating disorders, it’s important to reach out to a professional for help. Eating disorders are complex conditions that require comprehensive treatment.
What Are the Common Types of Eating Disorders?
Some mental and physical signs of an eating disorder are particular to a specific diagnosis. The most common types of eating disorders include the following.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight. People struggling with anorexia nervosa often restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, and use purging behaviors—such as vomiting or taking laxatives—to control their weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by bingeing, or consuming large amounts of food quickly, followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or using laxatives. People struggling with bulimia nervosa often fear gaining weight and may be preoccupied with their body image.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of bingeing, or consuming large amounts of food in a short period, followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. People struggling with binge eating disorder often have a negative body image and may be overweight or obese.
What Comprises Eating Disorder Treatment?
Eating disorder treatment typically includes a combination of the following:
- Medical stabilization – To address any immediate health concerns
- Nutritional counseling – To help patients develop a healthy relationship with food
- Psychological support – To address the underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to the eating disorder
The type of treatment your loved one needs will depend on the severity of their condition. For example, someone with anorexia may need to be hospitalized to address any medical complications. However, someone with bulimia may be able to receive outpatient treatment.
If you’re concerned that your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Even if you don’t observe many early signs of an eating disorder, you can encourage a loved one to undergo a formal mental health assessment. Alleviant Health Centers of Rogers offers comprehensive eating disorder treatment programs that can help patients restore their health and well-being.
Learn More About Eating Disorder Treatment at Alleviant Health Centers of Rogers
If you’ve observed mental and physical signs of an eating disorder in a loved one, contact Alleviant Health Centers of Rogers today at 479.309.1427 to learn more about our eating disorder treatment programs. Our programs are designed to provide patients with the comprehensive care they need to recover from an eating disorder and build a foundation for long-term health and well-being.