Types of Eating Disorders:
Women and Food
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What are eating disorders?
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An eating disorder takes over our lives in many insidious ways. We might think our constant
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Do you think about food all the time?
Do you eat when you are not hungry? Upset? Tired? Bored? Angry? Sad? Jealous?
Do you avoid going out to lunch or dinner because you don't want to have to deal with food or be seen eating?
Are you always on a diet, going to go on a diet, bingeing after yet another diet failed?
Do you base your self-worth on the amount of food you have just eaten?
Or do you feel empowered and in control of your life by denying yourself adequate food? Or over exercise to wipe the calorie slate clean?
Frequent use of laxatives or diuretics?
Vomit?
Starve?
Avoid family and friends?
Have you lost interest in sex?
Are you easily irritable, anxious or depressed?
Treatment Approach and Philosophy:
Psychotherapeutic treatment techniques must be tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Psychotherapy sessions may include the following philosophical approaches:
-Mindfulness Based Approach focuses on the present moment, on what is happening now, which helps develop greater self-awareness, compassion and acceptance for yourself and others.
-Psychodynamic therapy – focuses on the historical roots of the disorder and unconscious struggles within you.
-Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) works on identifying negative emotions and thoughts and discovering new ways to explore how they affect your behavior.
-Interpersonal Approach connects your eating disorder behaviors to conflicts or unmet needs occurring in all types of relationship issues.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:
Intense fear of gaining weight, even though underweight
Be under what is considered normal weight for height and age
Absence of menstrual periods in females of childbearing age
Extreme influence of body weight and shape on self-worth
Denial or inability to see seriousness of current low body weight
Ref:DSM-IV-TR
Symptoms of Binge Eating or Compulsive Eating:
Eating larger than normal amounts of food in a short amount of time
Feeling a lack of control
Eating very rapidly
Eating until uncomfortably full
Eating when not physically hungry
Eating alone because of shame or embarrassment
Feeling guilty, depressed, or distressed because of above mentioned eating behaviors
Behaviors occur at least 2 times/week for 6 months
Ref:DSM-IV-TR
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa:
Repeated episodes of bingeing
Repeated behaviors to prevent weight gain – such as vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, other medications, fasting, excessive exercise.
Behaviors occur at least 2 times/week for 3 months.
Self-evaluation is based upon body shape and weight
Ref:DSM-IV-TR
I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.
... Michelangelo
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Information About
Eating Disorders
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Answering yes to any of these questions could be a sign that you have eating problems. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from an eating disorder seek medical and/or psychotherapeutic attention. Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): symptoms or behaviors not specified above may still be a sign of an eating disorder.
thoughts about food, dieting and body size keeps us healthy and desirable. Although a healthy diet and exercise are a vital part of staying fit, for many individuals it can become an all-consuming life focus, create serious health problems and destroy relationships.
Eating Disorder Realities:
Eating disorders are not necessarily a problem with food. They are most often
a symptom of underlying problems.
Anorexia and bulimia can be life-threatening. Starvation, purging, and even exercising to excess can cause low potassium or electrolyte imbalance that can result in cardiac arrest and death.
Compulsive eating can be as serious an eating disorder as anorexia and bulimia. It is a coping mechanism to block out emotions and feelings.
Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
... William James
Help Yourself
The first step in overcoming an eating disorder is to acknowl- edge that the problem exists.
Seek help by consulting with a psychotherapist or a medical doctor.
Remember that you see yourself differently than others do. Personality, confidence and contentment come from within.
Challenge negative thoughts like,"if I'm thin I'll be a better person or better able to cope or be more acceptable."
Eating disorders can be life-threatening and seeking medical help is advised.
Therapy can help treat Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating
Eating disorders can affect men and women of all ages
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Eating disorders can be treated successfully with therapy. Do not let Anorexia, Bulimia or other eating disorders control your life.
Serving the following California areas:
Malibu - Santa Monica
Robbi Rucker, MFT
310-285-2226
Email:
robbirucker@gmail.com
robbirucker@gmail.com
OFFICE HOURS
OFFICE LOCATIONS
Monday - Friday
10am - 8pm
10am - 8pm
1460 7th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
29169 Heathercliff Road
Malibu, CA 90265
