An eating disorder is one type of mental health condition that causes you to change the way you eat and view food. This can include severe restriction of food intake, binging and purging, or obsessively exercising. Eating disorders can harm your physical and mental health and can even lead to death.
Here are the most common types of eating disorders:
- Anorexia nervosa– This is when someone starves themselves or doesn’t eat enough to maintain a healthy weight.
- Bulimia nervosa– This is when someone binge eats and then forces themselves to vomit or uses laxatives to prevent weight gain.
- Binge eating disorder – This is when someone can’t control how much they eat and regularly eat massive amounts of food in a really short period.
People with an eating disorder may eat a lot of food in a short period (binge eating), eat very little food (restrictive eating), or be obsessed with their body shape or weight. If left untreated, an eating disorder can become severe and even life-threatening.
Eating disorders are serious and complex illnesses that can be difficult to overcome. However, with the help of a treatment team, full recovery is possible.
This article shared by trusted therapists in Calgary discusses different types of therapy used to treat eating disorders, how effective they are, and how you must seek help for yourself or a loved one:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective therapy for eating disorders. CBT can help you understand and change the thoughts and behaviors contributing to your eating disorder. It can help you develop a healthy relationship with food and your body and to recover from your eating disorder.
CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy. The therapist will work with you so you can identify the thoughts and behaviors causing you difficulty and develop strategies to change them. CBT may also involve homework assignments, such as keeping a food diary or tracking your thoughts and emotions.
CBT has been shown to be a treatment that works for eating disorders. It can help you to recover and to stay healthy in the long term.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder.
DBT may be effective for eating disorders, particularly for those with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders.
DBT focuses on helping people to develop skills to cope with difficult emotions and situations and improve their relationships with others.
If you or a loved one is going through an eating disorder, DBT may be a helpful treatment option.
Interpersonal Therapy
IPT or Interpersonal Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationships between people. It can be used to treat various mental health conditions, including eating disorders.
IPT could work well for eating disorders. It can help to improve communication within relationships, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem.
IPT may be a good option for you if you are struggling with an eating disorder. You can consult your doctor about whether it is the right treatment for you.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is one type of therapy that can be used to treat eating disorders. This type of therapy can be very effective, as it can help to identify and address any underlying family issues that may be contributing to the eating disorder. If you are considering family therapy, it is essential to find a qualified and experienced therapist to help you.
Conclusion
Eating disorders should be taken seriously because they could lead to life-threatening consequences. They are not simply a matter of willpower or a lack of self-control and should be treated by a qualified professional. If you or a loved one struggles with an eating disorder, please seek help. Ask a trusted professional therapist in Calgary about the options discussed above.
Virtuous Circle Counselling offers reliable Calgary counselling services for various conditions including eating disorders. Set up an appointment today and take the first step towards recovering from an eating disorder!
