What is eating disorder therapy?
Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
How does eating disorder therapy work?
At Thriveworks, Eating disorders begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.
Signs of an eating disorder
The signs of an eating disorder can include:
- Drastic weight changes
- Preoccupation with food and body image
- Binge eating or extreme dieting
- Excessive exercise
- Social withdrawal and secrecy around eating
- Physical and emotional symptoms like fatigue and anxiety
What is the success rate of CBT for eating disorders?
CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.
What is the recovery rate for people with eating disorders?
The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.
Is eating disorder therapy conducted in person or online?
Eating disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does eating disorder therapy last?
The length of Eating disorders will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. Your therapist can help to determine what might be most beneficial for you.
Need more help deciding?
At Thriveworks Peachtree City, our providers understand the root nature of eating disorders and will work hard to ensure that you receive the personalized, professional care you need to manage your symptoms.
If you’re ready to partner with one of our therapists, simply call us or schedule online to get started today.
Anorexia and Bulimia: The Underlying Causes
When it’s comes to understanding the causes of anorexia and bulimia, it’s important to remember that:
- Genes can be a major influence when it comes to these disorders. You are 12 times more likely to develop them if one member or more than one member of your family already has them. Your genes can also influence how you perceive food.
- Mental health issues also play a part where chances of eating disorders are concerned. Anorexia and bulimia are both classic symptoms of depression. Although it should also be pointed out those suffering from these disorders can have depressive symptoms brought on by totally different factors.
- Trauma can also cause disorders, especially if one has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Even experiences that caused shame, guilt, or destroyed one’s confidence can also cause these.
- Environmental influences like peer pressure can also cause these eating disorders.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
The effects and symptoms of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Fixation over one’s body image
- Episodes of binge eating followed by purging
- Totally avoiding food
- Following a strict diet over a long period of time to lose weight (which often results in loss of essential nutrients)
- Feeling the need to watch one’s weight
- Feeling shame or guilt after eating
Challenges and How to Get Bulimia Therapy
At Thriveworks, our clinicians can work with you to offer:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses distorted thoughts and behaviors related to food, body image, and weight, helping individuals develop healthier eating habits and coping strategies.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills to manage triggers for disordered eating and improve emotional well-being.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions and thoughts associated with their eating disorder while committing to actions aligned with personal values, fostering psychological flexibility and well-being.
- Family-Based Treatment (FBT): Involves the entire family in the treatment process, addressing family dynamics and promoting parental support in restoring the individual’s health and well-being.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing social issues that may contribute to disordered eating, helping individuals develop healthier ways of relating to others.
- Nutritional Counseling: Provides education and guidance on balanced eating, meal planning, and intuitive eating principles to help individuals establish a healthy relationship with food.
Reach out to schedule a session with a provider at Thriveworks Peachtree City if you’re ready to work through the symptoms of eating disorders. Simply call or go online to schedule today.
