THERAPY FOR EATING DISORDERS

Binge Eating: Characterized by an increased consumption of food on a regular basis with feelings of lack of control. Food may be consumed too quickly, at a higher amount, consumption when not hungry, and continued consumption after being uncomfortably full. With Binge Eating, individuals do not try to compensate for the behaviour with excessive exercising or purging.

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Bulimia Nervosa: Characterized by episodes of binging and purging where there is a sense of lack of control over eating. Bulimia Nervosa can cause individuals to restrict their eating during the day, which then leads to more binging and purging later on. Once the episode of consumption has ended individuals will then try to rid their bodies of the extra calories in unhealthy ways such as induced vomiting or over exercising. 

 

Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. Anorexia Nervosa includes extreme efforts to control one's weight which can significantly impact health and life activities. There is a need to limit calories or use alternative and unhealthy methods to lose weight.

 

Restrictive Food Intake: This is when individuals have difficulties with meeting their daily nutrition requirements due to a lack of interest in eating, avoidance of foods with certain sensory characteristics, or concerns regarding the consequences of eating such as choking. With this form of eating disorders, food is not avoided due to fear of weight gain but can still lead to significant weight loss.

 

Pica: Characterized by compulsive consumption of items that hold no nutritional value. This could be harmless items such as ice or items such as dried paint which could be potentially harmful.

 

Rumination: Characterized by the persistent and repetitive need to regurgitate food after consumption. This is not due to a medical condition or alternative eating disorder. Food is brought back to the mouth without feelings of nausea or gagging, this may not be intentionally done. This eating disorder may lead to malnutrition if the food is spit out or consumed at a lower level to avoid the behaviour.