Eating disorders are complex mental conditions that affect the person’s relationship with food and how they view themselves. Depending on the type of eating disorder, a person may starve themselves, force themselves to throw up, or even exercise to the point of exhaustion simply to maintain a certain physique; however, the early signs of an eating disorder aren’t always apparent, especially if you don’t know what to look for. The staff at our center for mental health care in Boca Raton understands the complexities of eating disorders and shares some common signs of eating disorders you should be aware of.
An eating disorder includes extreme thoughts, emotions, and behaviors surrounding food and weight. A person with an eating disorder may become obsessed with food, their weight, and their body shape. Because these disorders are centered on unhealthy and extreme relationships with food, they can significantly impact a person’s health and even cause death.
The different types of eating disorders include:
Eating disorders are linked to mental illness; many people who struggle with an eating disorder fail to get the mental health care they need. At Banyan Mental Health, we offer treatment methods for mental illness, including different therapies, that can address the mental aspects of an eating disorder.
All types of eating disorders can be recognized through a variety of warning signs. While certain symptoms may differ according to the type of disorder, some of the general signs of an eating disorder include:
When an eating disorder occurs, a person’s body will slow down its functions in an attempt to preserve energy, which can result in physical repercussions. People with eating disorders are also more likely to get sick or contract a disease, which may prove fatal due to their weakened physical state. If you recognize these warning signs of an eating disorder in yourself or someone you know, get help immediately.
While eating disorders imply that they’re about food, they’re actually linked to poor mental health. Mental illness can cause people to resort to a variety of harmful behaviors. For example, a person who’s coping with body dysmorphia may feel the need to make an extreme and unhealthy change in their diet. Self-harm, suicidal behavior, and eating disorders often stem from untreated mental illnesses.
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