Eating Disorders - The Facts
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is February 25 - March 3, 2007!

In today's society, many people - males and females alike - are preoccupied with body image and weight. As a result, some people resort to unhealthy eating or exercise habits, which can lead to an eating disorder. While it's difficult to estimate the number of people that suffer from an eating disorder, the numbers appear to be on the rise.

There are many factors that are thought to contribute to eating disorders, ranging from low self-esteem to a desire to gain control over one's life. However, no matter what the cause, the first step in overcoming the potentially harmful consequences of an eating disorder is to be able to identify the signs of unhealthy eating behaviors.

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder
Eating disorders are characterized by a severe disturbance in eating behaviors. Following are the different types of eating disorders as identified by the American Psychiatric Association (2000):

• Anorexia Nervosa is identified by excessive weight loss from self-starvation. Individuals who suffer from anorexia may restrict their food intake or over-exercise. They may also engage in over-eating followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics. Anorexia is characterized by the following symptoms:
  
  • Refusal to maintain a weight that is at or above the normal minimal weight for the age, height, and body type of the individual.
  • Intense fear of gaining weight.
  • Distorted perception of body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a cycle of discrete binge eating that is followed by purging. After eating a large amount of food, a person "purges" themselves through methods such as self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, or over-exercising.
• Binge Eating Disorder is identified by periods of uncontrolled, continuous, or impulsive eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. The binge eater typically does not purge, but may be involved in sporadic fasts or diets. Body weight may vary from mild to severe obesity.
• Other Eating Disorders may include a combination of the signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, or may include different behaviors all together. For example, the act of repeatedly chewing food and spitting it out without swallowing may not be officially classified as an eating disorder, but it can still be dangerous and requires professional help.

Treatment of Eating Disorders
Counseling can be provided to address unhealthy eating and exercise behaviors, as well as any underlying interpersonal, psychological, and cultural influences that contribute to the behavior. Care should be provided by a licensed health professional. Antidepressant medications may be used in conjunction with counseling.

Treatment for physical symptoms provided by a health care professional with experience in eating disorders may include treating the body due to harm caused by the disorder, and nutritional counseling or education to establish a treatment plan.

Inpatient care, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient residential care may be needed if the physical and psychological problems have become severe or life threatening.

In most cases, a combination of treatment methods is most effective in treating eating disorders. If you think you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder, get help! Talk to a health care provider about what you can do to get back on track to eating healthy - the right way.

References:
American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). American Psychiatric Association, Washington D.C.

This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical/clinical advice. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare identification card.