Eating disorders are serious conditions that typically require the support of an eating disorder therapy program to overcome. If concerns about body weight, body shape, diet fads, and weight loss have taken over your life, you may need professional help. Illumination Mental Health offers eating disorder therapy in Los Angeles, CA as part of our comprehensive mental health treatment programs. Call us today at 747.285.7504 for more information.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Some types of eating disorders are considered to be mental health disorders. Having an eating disorder puts you at greater risk of serious physical health issues than any other type of mental health concern.
Eating disorders typically fall under three categories:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by low body weight, extreme fear of gaining weight, and body dysmorphia—a distorted perception of shape and weight. People who are suffering from anorexia often use extreme measures to control their weight, including self-starvation.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating and purging. People with bulimia may feel like they lack control over their eating. It is common to restrict eating for many hours, then overeat and force vomiting to purge.
Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder is defined as regularly eating too much, eating more than you intended, eating when you’re not hungry, and eating quickly. People with binge-eating disorders do not always purge, but shame about their eating habits can lead to isolation and obesity.
Signs You May Need an Eating Disorder Therapy Program
It can be difficult to convince a loved one to seek treatment for an eating disorder. Many people with eating disorders don’t believe they need treatment.
Warning signs that indicate you or your loved one has a problem that needs to be taken seriously include:
- Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
- Extreme focus on diet and diet fads
- Excessive exercise
- Making or bringing their own meals instead of eating what others eat
- Excessive complaining about weight or talking about losing weight
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Using laxatives or dietary supplements for weight loss
- Frequently leaving the table during mealtime to use the bathroom
- Eating more food in one setting than is average
- Secret eating
- Calluses or scrapes on knuckles from inducing vomiting
- Loss of enamel on teeth from repeating vomiting
- Frequently expressing shame or depression about eating habits
The eating disorder treatment we offer in Los Angeles, CA can help to address the thoughts and beliefs that contribute to eating disorders.
If you recognize these warning signs, start by seeing your family physician. They can provide a referral to a mental health professional who specializes in treating eating disorders.
What to Expect from Our Eating Disorder Therapy Program in Los Angeles, CA
The first step to finding the right eating disorder therapy program in Los Angeles, CA, is to seek a diagnosis. Treatment typically involves a combination of nutritional and psychological counseling, as well as psychiatric and medical monitoring.
A diagnosis is needed to develop the most successful treatment plan. Your treatment team may include any or all of the following providers:
- Nutritionist
- Psychiatrist
- Psychotherapist
- Medical doctor
- Integrative wellness therapists such as an art, music, or yoga therapist
Like other forms of mental illness, an eating disorder can’t be controlled by willpower. Genetics, biology, and psychological health all play a part in developing the disorder and must be taken into consideration when discussing treatment.
With this in mind, eating disorder therapy treatment in Los Angeles, CA, may include a combination of several therapies intended to address the disorder from a variety of perspectives.Â
Find Help for Eating Disorders at Illumination Mental Health
At Illumination Mental Health, we understand it can be difficult to admit you need help for an eating disorder. That’s why we educate our residents and guests on the risks and health complications related to eating disorders. Call Illumination Mental Health today 747.285.7504 to learn more about eating disorder treatment in Los Angeles, CA.
