Eating Disorders

Well Behavioral Health does not require a diagnosis upon admission. Our team of intake coordinators can assist you in understanding your needs and the best course of initial treatment to get you started.

Schedule a call with our admissions team today to receive guidance on next steps.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions involving persistent disruptions in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions related to food, weight, and body image. They are influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors and can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences.

While eating disorders can affect anyone, they are treatable with appropriate support and care.

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Types of Eating Disorders and Common Symptoms

Anorexia Nervosa

  • Anorexia Nervosa involves extreme food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted perception of body size or shape.
  • Common symptoms:
    • Significant weight loss or failure to maintain a healthy weight.
    • Intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight.
    • Preoccupation with food, calories, and dieting.
    • Physical signs like thinning hair, brittle nails, and fatigue.

Bulimia Nervosa

  • Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use, to prevent weight gain.
  • Common symptoms:
    • Binge eating large amounts of food in a short time with a sense of loss of control.
    • Engaging in purging behaviors like vomiting or using laxatives.
    • Fluctuations in weight or signs of dehydration.
    • Other physical-related symptoms caused by purging events.

Binge Eating Disorder

  • Binge Eating Disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of distress or guilt but without compensatory behaviors.
  • Common symptoms:
    • Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry.
    • Feeling a sense of “loss of control” when eating food.
    • Eating rapidly or until uncomfortably full.
    • Feelings of shame, guilt, or distress after binge eating.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

  • ARFID involves avoiding certain foods or limiting intake due to sensory sensitivities, fear of choking, or a lack of interest in food, leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
  • Common symptoms:
    • Avoidance of specific foods or food groups.
    • Weight loss or failure to meet nutritional needs.
    • Dependence on supplements
    • Anxiety related to eating certain foods.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

  • OSFED is a category for eating disorders that don’t meet the full criteria for other diagnoses but still cause significant distress or impairment.
  • Examples include:
    • Atypical Anorexia Nervosa
    • Purging Disorder
    • Night Eating Syndrome

How do we treat Eating Disorders at WBH?

If you’re new to WBH you will receive an initial care plan and road map for your care based on an assessment with our skilled intake coordinators. Some common recommendations for initial care may include outpatient therapy, nutrition counseling, coaching services, or our Eating Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

We believe Eating Disorders are best treated through establishing trusted relationships with experienced professionals. That’s why we have a dedicated team of providers here to support you.

Common modalities used to treat eating disorders may include CBT, ERP, DBT, ACT, and more.

Learn more about our service options and modalities used to treat eating disorders.

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At WBH, our vision is to create a world where mental health care is accessible, inclusive, and tailored to the complexities of each individual’s journey.