As many as 30 million people are struggling with an eating disorder in the US. But it is only when the eating disorder has progressed past a certain point do patients seek and get the professional help they need.
Too little, we realize that eating disorders are complex mental health problems that take a heavy psychological and emotional toll before they manifest on a physical level.
A person struggling with an eating disorder sets unrealistic targets about their food intake, body and self-image, and weight. The self-destructive path that they choose to achieve these unrealistic goals affects their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, which has a knock-on effect on relationships with family and friends.
Emotional Upheaval
Let’s take a look at the most common eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders.
Take anorexia nervosa, for instance. People with this eating disorder have an intense fear of gaining weight, and they take extreme measures to prevent it through self-starvation. Some individuals set strict eating limits, while others consume large amounts of food and purge it through unhealthy methods.
Anorexia messes with your emotions and can manifest in constant irritability, fluctuating moods, social withdrawal, and obsession with food and exercise.
Likewise, individuals with bulimia nervosa struggle with low self-esteem linked to their body image. Despite being of average weight or just a bit overweight, their negative perception of their body may cause them to binge on large amounts of food and then take measures to compensate through forced vomiting, laxative abuse, and intense exercise.
Similarly, people struggling with binge eating disorders (BED) experience significant distress after binging behavior. Unlike bulimics, they don’t take compensatory measures like purging, but the emotional upheaval may be as intense, especially since they feel they don’t have any control.
Eating And Psychological Disorders
There is no single cause of developing an eating disorder, but biological factors like genetics may increase the risk.
External pressures also shape how a person perceives himself against the prevailing beauty standards reinforced by pop culture and social media.
These messages’ most prominent theme calls on women to aspire for slim, hourglass figures while pushing men to strive for muscular bodies to achieve success and happiness in life.
People with eating disorders work to achieve these unrealistic standards, which does them more harm than good. A well-meaning diet to shed extra weight may spiral into a full-blown eating disorder, developing into psychiatric disorders like depression or anxiety.
There’s some evidence suggesting that severe malnutrition can cause physiological imbalances that negatively affect one’s mood and cause poor concentration.
However, people suffering from eating disorders often have existing or co-occurring disorders that make symptoms worse by amplifying the negative emotions associated with unhealthy eating habits.
In addition to depression and anxiety disorders, people with eating disorders might have borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorder.
According to two separate studies, half of the patients diagnosed with binge eating disorder have a history of depression. Nearly a fourth (24%) of bipolar patients met the criteria for eating disorders.
Likewise, people with anorexia are not exempt from depression and anxiety disorder, with tragic results. Studies show anorexics are 50 times more likely than the general population to die because of suicide.
High Mortality Risks
The strong connection between nutrition and eating disorders increases the former’s mortality rate. A study published in 2012 concluded that all eating disorders have increased mortality risks.
Anorexia is recognized as a fatal mental illness with an estimated mortality rate of 10% as patients die due to starvation, metabolic collapse, substance abuse, and suicide.
People with eating disorders fail to receive timely treatment because they try to hide their condition due to feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment.
If left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications like heart failure, osteoporosis, gastric rupture, pancreatitis, and diabetes.
Treatment
The good news is eating disorders can be treated, and early diagnosis plays a big part in improving health outcomes. A variety of treatment options are available for eating disorders and mental health conditions that often co-occur.
Given the close link between mental health issues and eating disorders, it’s essential to form a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses co-occurring disorders and involves a multidisciplinary team that might include a primary care provider, psychiatrist, dietician, or nutritional counselor, and a social worker.
The treatment options will likely include psychotherapy, counseling, and a medical plan that addresses one’s nutritional needs. The doctor may also prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication as needed.
Outpatient treatment works for some people with mild eating disorders, but severe cases might require inpatient care or hospitalization in a specialized facility.
Inpatient stays are usually followed by outpatient treatment and aftercare to adequately address the disorder’s underlying issues and reduce the risk of relapse. The same goes for the treatment of co-occurring problems, such as substance abuse.
If you are struggling with psychological disorders, substance abuse, and thoughts of self-harm, there’s help. You can contact organizations like Crisis Text Line.
Crisis Text Line provides free and confidential help and support 24/7. Just text HOME to 741741, and they will talk to you via SMS. Crisis Text Line help people living in the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland.
Final Thoughts
Some people might dismiss eating disorders as a fad, a phase, or a choice, but they are real illnesses that require immediate medical intervention.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating eating disorders, but early diagnosis increases the likelihood of reversing this disease’s health consequences. You are not alone, and you deserve to receive professional help.
Anorexia didn’t earn its reputation as the deadliest mental illness for no reason. It’s best to get professional help when disordered eating is already harming your productivity, functioning, and quality of life.
FAQs
Can Not Eating Be A Coping Mechanism?
Why Do You Think That Eating Disorders Are Classified As Mental Disorders?
What Is One Of The Mental Health Disorders Individuals With An Eating Disorder Commonly Have?
Can Stress And The Inability To Cope With Life Lead To Eating Disorders?
What Happens To Your Mental Health When You Stop Eating?
How Do Eating Disorders And Disordered Eating Differ In Their Degree Of Severity?
What mental disorder affects the eating habits of an individual?
What is the mentality of people with eating disorders?
What personality type is most likely to have an eating disorder?
What Are Potential Risk Factors That May Lead To Bad Behaviors With Food?
Do people with eating disorders often have depression as well?
How Can Emotional Stress Influence Your Behavior With Food?
How Can Good Foods Help Deal With Psychological Wellness Issues?
Do eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness?