Signs, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment- All That You Need To Know About Eating Disorders

These disorders impact physical health in addition to the mental, psychological and emotional health as well. 

Know How To Recognise Eating Disorder In Yourself

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New Delhi: Eating disorders are a class of disorders in which the intake of food or the general relationship with food of an individual is going to be severely affected and problematic. Now, we may see them as frivolous or not as serious, but these disorders can be fatal and can have very serious medical consequences. These disorders impact physical health in addition to the mental, psychological and emotional health as well. 

Types Of Eating Disorders:

Dinika Anand who is from the Mental Health And Behavioural Sciences, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry department at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, discussed the three main eating disorders known. She said, "One is anorexia nervosa, another is bulimia nervosa and third is binge eating."

Anorexia Nervosa:

In anorexia, the core principle is that the person is either not going to eat, eat very little or eat only certain foods and that too in very restricted and limited quantities. This is the person who's going to be very frail and is going to be the media representation that we also get to see or what we also get to hear a lot about the people in the fashion industry, especially for models wherein there is long periods of starving yourself or eating very little, being very calorie conscious and all of those things. 

Bulimia Nervosa:

In bulimia, the person has periods in which they will eat a lot. So there is overeating and then there is a compensatory cycle of maybe, exercising too much. For instance, if one eats a whole large pizza, but then go ahead and go do 2 hours of running on the treadmill or something like that. So, there is overeating with an overcompensation. Now, excessive exercising is one way, but there is also the use of laxatives or trying to use lax techniques with which you can vomit or throw up.  

Binge Eating:

In binge eating, there is an inability to control the amount that you eat, so you will consume very large quantity of food in a very short span of time. And of course, it is so much food that it makes you physically uncomfortable. 

Causes Of Eating Disorders:

"Eating disorders arise from a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, environmental, and sociocultural factors," said Dr. Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals.

"Genetic predisposition plays a role, with individuals having a family history of eating disorders being more susceptible. Psychological factors include low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, and distorted body image, which can trigger disordered eating behaviors. Sociocultural influences, such as societal emphasis on thinness and beauty standards, contribute to the development of eating disorders, particularly among adolescents. Traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse or bullying, can also be triggers. Neurobiological factors involving brain chemicals and hormones regulating appetite and mood contribute to the disorder's development," she further went on to say.

In addition to that, she also said, "Moreover, dieting, especially extreme or fad diets, can act as a gateway to disordered eating patterns. The causes are intricate and often interconnected, making early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach crucial for effective treatment. Addressing the underlying causes while providing medical, nutritional, and psychological support can help individuals on the path to recovery."

Signs And Symptoms Of Eating Disorders:

Identifying the indications and symptoms of an eating disorder is an essential step towards healing and support. In this regard, Dr. Neerja Aggarwal, PhD Psychologist & co-founder of Emoneeds shared the signs and symptoms of eating disorders:

• In oneself or others, subtle shifts in behavior and attitudes towards food, body image, and self-worth can serve as early indicators.
• Pay close attention to excessive preoccupation with weight, calorie counting, or restrictive eating patterns.
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, unexplained changes in weight, or avoiding social gatherings centered around food may also signal a concern.
• Remember, recognizing an eating disorder is about observing the whole picture, not just the physical aspect.
• Emotional cues are equally vital.
• Notice if there’s heightened anxiety, depression, or irritability, especially surrounding meals.
• Negative self-talk and distorted body perception can be telltale signs.
• Withdrawal from once-enjoyed activities and isolation might point towards a deeper struggle.
• It’s essential to approach conversations with empathy, fostering a safe space for open dialogue.

If you or someone you know is displaying these signs, seeking professional help promptly is paramount. A journey to recovery begins with acknowledging the issue and extending a hand of compassion, guiding towards a path of healing, self-love, and reclaiming a healthier relationship with food and self.

Treatment Eating Disorders:

Dr. Priyanka Rohatgi said, "Treating eating disorders necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional components of the condition. A tailored treatment plan typically involves a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. Medical management focuses on stabilizing the individual's health by addressing any complications arising from malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, or other physical consequences of the disorder."

She then spoke about Nutritional therapy which aims to establish a healthy relationship with food through structured meal plans, education on balanced eating, and weight restoration. Moving on to Psychologically, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy, she said that they are commonly employed to address distorted thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with the disorder.

"Therapeutic modalities like art therapy, mindfulness, and yoga can also complement the recovery process," she added saying, "Support from mental health professionals, registered dietitians, and medical practitioners is pivotal throughout treatment. Long-term success often requires a strong support network, ongoing therapy, and vigilant monitoring to prevent relapse. Early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach are vital to guide individuals towards a healthier relationship with food and themselves."

Effect Of Food And Nutrition On Mental Health:

Your body and your mind are connected intricately to each other, working in a sync and playing a key role for your overall well-being. While we all know that the kind of food, we put into our bodies affect our physical health, it is a lesser known but significant fact that it affects our mental health too. Have you noticed how we crave sugary or highly processed food when we feel stressed or emotionally overwhelmed? This perfectly shows that what we eat can greatly affect our emotional well-being. Emotional eating, that is, using food to cope with your emotions, is also a very common mechanism that we frequently engage with.

Nishtha Jain, Counselling Psychologist at Lissun, which is a Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Platform said, "Certain nutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, are essential for the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are involved in mood regulation, and their imbalances can contribute to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. The gut and the brain are closely connected through what is known as the gut-brain axis and a balanced gut is associated with better mental well-being."

"Apart from these, blood sugar spikes are famous for affecting mood levels and destabilising emotional regulation. Specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health and have been associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of depression. Certain foods, such as those high in sugar and unhealthy fats, can contribute to an exaggerated stress response which can negatively impact mental health over time. On the other side, mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, can affect an individual's eating habits and food choices, leading to imbalanced nutrition," she further added.