How can society effectively treat eating disorders?

TYPES

Anorexia nervosa

Characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight or shape. People with anorexia use extreme efforts to control their weight and shape, which often significantly interferes with their health and life activities

Bulimia nervosa

Serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. When you have bulimia, you have episodes of bingeing and purging that involve feeling a lack of control over your eating. Many people with bulimia also restrict their eating during the day, which often leads to more binge eating and purging. Because of guilt, shame and an intense fear of weight gain from overeating, you may force vomiting or you may exercise too much or use other methods, such as laxatives, to get rid of the calories.

Binge-eating disorder

Regularly eat too much food (binge) and feel a lack of control over your eating. You may eat quickly or eat more food than intended, even when you're not hungry, and you may continue eating even long after you're uncomfortably full.

Rumination disorder

Repeatedly and persistently regurgitating food after eating, but it's not due to a medical condition. The disorder may result in malnutrition if the food is spit out or if the person eats significantly less to prevent the behavior. The occurrence of rumination disorder may be more common in infancy or in people who have an intellectual disability.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Characterized by failing to meet your minimum daily nutrition requirements because you don't have an interest in eating; you avoid food with certain sensory characteristics, such as color, texture, smell or taste; or you're concerned about the consequences of eating, such as fear of choking. Food is not avoided because of fear of gaining weight.

METHODS (psychiatrists)

ACT (focusing on changing your actions)

CBT/CBT-E (focusing on the beliefs, values, and cognitive processes that maintain the eating disorder behavior)

CRT (develop a person’s ability to focus on more than one thing)

DBT (changing behaviors and developing skills)

FBT (focus on refeeding and full weight restoration to promote recovery)

IPT (evidence-based treatment for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder).

METHODS (ourselves)

Medical treatment

Hospitalization or residential treatment may be necessary if your loved one is dangerously malnourished, suffering from medical complications, severely depressed or suicidal, or resistant to treatment. Outpatient treatment is an option when the patient is not in immediate medical danger.

Nutrition counseling

Dietitians or nutritionists can help your loved one design balanced meal plans, set dietary goals, and reach or maintain a healthy weight. Counseling may also involve education about proper nutrition

Therapy

Identify the negative thoughts and feelings that are behind the disordered eating behaviors, and replace them with healthier and less distorted attitudes. Another important goal is to teach the person how to deal with difficult emotions, relationship problems, and stress in a productive, rather than a self-destructive way.

IMPORTANCE

Familiarity with eating disorders can also lead to increased consciousness and empathy for those who are suffering or struggling while decreasing the stigma often associated with these mental illnesses.

TARGETS

Span

Gender

Increase awareness for these complex diseases.

Age

12-25 years old

80% of females suffer from anorexia nervosa, 70% for bulimia nervosa, binge-eating are fairly balanced between both genders.

One in every four children who suffers from anorexia nervosa is a boy

Any age, gender or ethnicity

Prevention and early diagnosis

Proper treatment