What is eating disorder therapy?
Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
How does eating disorder therapy work?
At Thriveworks, Eating disorders begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.
Signs of an eating disorder
The signs of an eating disorder can include:
- Drastic weight changes
- Preoccupation with food and body image
- Binge eating or extreme dieting
- Excessive exercise
- Social withdrawal and secrecy around eating
- Physical and emotional symptoms like fatigue and anxiety
What is the success rate of CBT for eating disorders?
CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.
What is the recovery rate for people with eating disorders?
The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.
Is eating disorder therapy conducted in person or online?
Eating disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does eating disorder therapy last?
The length of Eating disorders will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. Your therapist can help to determine what might be most beneficial for you.
Need more help deciding?
Therapy and Counseling for Anorexia or Bulimia in Allentown, PA
Anorexia and bulimia are serious psychiatric disorders with severe health consequences. Without treatment, they can be deadly, with anorexia having the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. However, effective treatments are available, involving nutritional, medical, and psychological professionals.
If you or someone you love is fighting bulimia or anorexia, know that you are not alone. Thriveworks Allentown offers therapy to provide professional, holistic care. Give our office a call at (484) 246-8451 to schedule your session today.
What Are Bulimia and Anorexia?
Anorexia Nervosa:
- Fear of gaining weight
- Consuming less food than needed, leading to dangerously low body weight
- Inaccurate perception of body shape and weight
Bulimia Nervosa:
- Unhealthy behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as extreme exercising, laxative misuse, inducing vomiting, or fasting
- Repeated binge eating, characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period and losing control during binges
- Self-image dominated by body size and weight
Both disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and often coexist with depression or anxiety. Their causes can be categorized into biological and environmental factors:
- Biological Causes: Genetics, irregular hormone functions, nutritional deficiencies
- Environmental Causes: Childhood trauma or abuse, peer pressure, cultural obsession with thinness and unrealistic beauty standards
Interconnected Health Challenges
Eating disorders often result in severe health challenges.
Anorexia can lead to:
- Menstrual cycle disruptions
- Infertility
- Osteoporosis
- Anemia
- Endocrine system issues
- Low blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Heart disease
- Kidney damage
- Death
Bulimia can cause:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Kidney damage
- Tooth decay
- Ulcers
- Gastric rupture
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Constipation
- Heart failure
Counseling for Bulimia and Anorexia
Seeking professional treatment for bulimia or anorexia is crucial. Thriveworks Allentown provides holistic and individualized care to help clients regain a positive self-perception and healthy eating habits.
If you are fighting bulimia or anorexia, know that you are not alone. Thriveworks Allentown is here to support you and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. Call (484) 246-8451 today to schedule your appointment.
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