There are many eating disorder symptoms and each form is generally indicative of the core psychological wounds and struggles the individual is facing. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the main types of eating disorders, with other eating disorders such as binge eating, falling into the diagnostic category of not otherwise specified disorders.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an obsessive compulsive quest for emaciation. This destructive pursuit often crosses over into the realm of bulimarexia, in which episodic starvation co-exists with episodic binging and purging.
The bulimic is caught up in a power play with food, in which she will consume massive quantities of food and then purge, either through induced vomiting, ipecac abuse, enema abuse, laxatives, excessive exercising or other forms of diuretics. Like anorexics, bulimics also have an obsessive and distorted fixation on their body image. Those who present with a binge eating disorder are over weight or obese, as they episodically binge eat, but do not purge.
The onset of an eating disorder usually occurs in adolescence, but there are variations where this is concerned.
Other concurrent psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, dissociative disorders,substance abuse/addiction, frequently accompany eating disorders.
Character pathology is also frequently identified to co-exist with eating disorders, along with bi-polar disorder and PTSD.
Erratic mood changes would most likely be prevalent, as well as difficulties with concentration, self-regulation, and self-injury. Difficulties with judgement related to relational matters and sexuality are evident in those who’s primary attachment is fixated on their relationship with food.
Some behavioral eating disorder symptoms encompass patterns of isolation, insomnia, frequent trips to the bathroom, unusual food rituals, and wearing oversized clothing. Also, look for eating disorder symptoms involving complications with physical health — brittle hair and skin, weight gain and weight loss, heart conditions, cessation of menstruation, malnutrition, gastrointestinal problems such as constipation or diarrhea, electrolyte levels, dental problems, etc.
A comprehensive treatment plan encompassing nutritional counseling, psychopharmacology, body work, family therapy, group therapy and individual therapy with a seasoned eating disorder specialist is warranted for the individual struggling with an eating disorder. DBT treatment can be very helpful for stabilizing concurrent mood disorders and to cultivate basic life skills and self soothing techniques.
In patient care may be warranted at a eating disorder facility, for those who require medical monitoring and a protected environment. Treatment is a critical and necessary step with stabilization and remission. It can be the trajectory to a new life of hope and possibility for the sufferer of these insidious disorders.
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