Category: Eating Disorders

Return to blog >

An eating disorder is a mental illness that often includes stark physical manifestations. For instance, those suffering with anorexia tend to become emaciated and bone-thin; whereas bulimics can actually maintain or even gain weight. This is largely due to the binge eating habits of bulimics, which usually involves a massive caloric intake that is then purged.

Purging food via self-induced vomiting or consumption of laxatives is a symptom shared by both the bulimic and anorexic. There are other similarities in symptoms between the two diseases, including exercising excessively and a distorted body image. However, the fear of weight gain causes anorexics to severely limit their food intake as opposed to the bulimic habit of purging after binging large amounts of food.

Help for Eating Disorders

The longer one waits to be treated for eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, the greater the chances that permanent or fatal damage to the body will occur. Eating disorders studies reveal that muscle loss, bone deterioration and the weakening of just about every organ in the body will become increasingly significant as these diseases continue to run their course.

Therefore, it is imperative that bulimia treatment, anorexia treatment and treatment of other types of eating disorders be started as soon as these conditions are verified. Eating disorder clinics and eating disorder treatment centers around the country have experienced mental health professionals on staff who are better equipped than ever before to administer to those suffering from eating disorder-related illnesses.

Eating disorder treatment often encompasses various types of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and might also include family therapy sessions. Nutritional counseling and a focus on weight restoration are also part of a comprehensive eating disorder treatment program that can eventually give those affected the tools to move forward and live fulfilling lives.

Return to blog >

Millions of Americans suffer with mental illness. These come in various forms; from mood disorders and severe addictions to eating disorders. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure or “silver bullet” for most of these illnesses. However, mental health professionals now have a better understanding than ever before regarding the treatment of mental disorders. As a result, increasingly effective methods of psychotherapy are continually being developed.

Case-by-Case Treatment Plans

When an individual reaches a point where they feel the need to seek help, the realization that there is a problem is a positive first step in the healing process. The next step is for that individual to be thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed by a therapist.

The circumstances surrounding an individual’s mental health issues are as diverse as fingerprints. Each patient is very different and influenced socially by distinct environments and effected biologically by genetic makeup.

Although many therapeutic techniques may fit into categories such as “talk” therapy, behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy, treatments for depression, bipolar disorder treatment, ADHD treatment and addiction treatment are all approached differently. Treatment plans for these and other conditions are constructed in a way that best suit a particular patient.

Unfortunately, many individuals who struggle with mental health problems never pursue treatment. Reasons for this often include a fear of being stigmatized or a lack of convenient access to care. But in this country, numerous mental health centers are located in close proximity to every major city. These facilities offer experienced mental health professionals to patients who require expert care in order to begin their journey toward productive and fulfilling lives.

Return to blog >

Although there are differences between the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, they do share some of the same characteristics. Among other similarities, individuals who suffer with these disorders generally have an unfavorable view of their own bodies.

The fear of becoming overweight or the perception that one is overweight — even if they are not — are major psychological factors behind the development of these and other eating disorders. Individuals with these disorders are driven to engage in one or more of the following practices: self-induced vomiting after eating, purging, excessive exercise, disproportionate use of laxatives and periods of not eating.

It has been well documented that the major demographic of those with eating disorders are teenage girls. However, it is now common knowledge that these disorders do not discriminate. Adult men and women as well as males in their late teens also struggle with eating disorders.

Eating Disorder Treatment: Emphasis on Behavioral Adjustments

In addition to the deep-seeded psychological aspects of eating disorders that can lead to depression and other mood disorders, the physical ramifications can be devastating and even deadly. The bones and teeth may suffer due to the body not absorbing or maintaining a healthy amount of nutrients. A host of other issues such as a loss of muscle, anemia and organ damage may result from the unhealthy habits that those with eating disorders have developed.

Anorexia treatment, bulimia treatment and the treatment of eating disorders often requires a multifaceted approach. Not only must a patient be nurtured back to physical health, but the psychological aspect of these disorders must be addressed through intensive psychotherapy.

One of the most effective modes of psychotherapeutic treatment for eating disorders has proven to be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  In those with eating disorders, CBT focuses on areas such as improving self-esteem and developing a more realistic body image. This therapy works to redirect the “rules” these individuals have established in regard to eating habits.

Some of the nation’s leading eating disorder treatment centers such as Lindner Center of Hope’s Sibcy House near Cincinnati, Ohio incorporate CBT into their treatment plan. It is part of a well-rounded program that has helped many eating disorders patients change destructive habits and develop a healthier outlook on life.

Return to blog >

Mason, Ohio—February 2, in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Lindner Center of HOPE will join with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute to offer an Evening with an Eating Disorders Expert Panel. The panel will consist of nationally recognized Eating Disorders experts and offer an opportunity for primary care physicians, mental health specialists, school counselors, coaches and family members to learn about the emotional and health consequences affecting over 11 million individuals.

Eating Disorders are biologically based, devastating illnesses that can have potentially life-threatening consequences. They affect a person’s emotional and physical health, productivity and relationships. The panel presentation is part of the Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE’s monthly health series.

Compared with other mental illnesses, eating disorders represent the highest rate of mortality. And to make it more challenging, its identification and treatment can be challenging. Research has shown that with psychiatric management, psychotherapy, nutritional services, and family engagement, success can be experienced. “A coordinated approach to care can return patients, and their loved ones, to more fulfilling lives,” says Scott Bullock, MSW, LISW-S, Family Therapist and Eating Disorders Intake Coordinator at Lindner Center of HOPE.  Bullock says to look for these signs indicating a person may be suffering with an eating disorder:

  • Preoccupation with body shape and/or weight
  • Weight disturbances or unexplained weight changes (underweight, overweight or obese)
  • Hoarding high-calorie food
  • Obsession with diets, calories, food, or nutrition
  • Compulsive eating, binge eating, or inability to stop eating
  • Frequent rigorous dieting, regardless of body weight
  • Compulsively arranging food and/or cutting into tiny pieces
  • Eating alone or late night eating
  • Taking laxatives or diet pills or excessive exercising to prevent weight gain
  • Avoiding eating in public and social situations that involve food
  • Repeatedly going to the bathroom shortly after meals
  • Regular fasting

An Evening with an Eating Disorders Panel of Experts

February 2, 2012; 6:30pm-7:45pm

Harold C. Schott Eating Disorders Treatment Team:

Anne Marie O’Melia, MD, MS, Medical Director

Scott Bullock, MSW, LISW-S, Family Therapist & Intake Coordinator

Sarah Arszman Lavanier, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist

Tracy Early, BA, Med, Group Curriculum Specialist

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center:

Laurie Mitan, MD, Director, Eating Disorders Program

Abbey Tissot, PhD

Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute

Ann Kerney- Cooke, PhD, Director and national best-selling author

For more information contact: [email protected].

March Event:

March 1, 2012, 6:30pm-7:45pm

Ellen Young, Dietician & Jessica Barth, Dieticians, Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE

The Role of Nutritional Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment