Eating disorders are a serious condition that is usually observed during adolescence and involves a disturbed body image related to eating behavior. Eating disorders can be observed in different ways. In some cases, the individual can starve themselves severely; in some cases, they purge their food. There are different types such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Pica, Binge Eating, Rumination Disorder, Avoiding Eating and Limited Food Intake. Depending on the type of eating disorder, intervention methods also differ.
Causes of Eating Disorders
There are various theories explaining eating disorders; these can be divided into biological, psychological and environmental factors. In anorexia nervosa; factors such as being genetically more sensitive and resistant, perfectionism, excessive insistence on being thin, obsessive-style behavior patterns, body perception imposed by modern society, equating thinness with success and beauty are in question; while in bulimia nervosa; being overweight in early childhood, negative attributions about body perception and self, and frequent dieting are included.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa; includes low body weight, excessive fear of gaining weight, efforts to remain thin, and a distorted perception of oneself. Symptoms usually begin to appear during puberty, at the age of 12-13 (usually with menstruation in girls), and in some cases can be observed later in puberty.
Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms
Extreme weight loss, intense exercise, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia, feeling faint, skin color change (bruising on fingers, yellowing of the skin), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea), body hair, hair loss, calluses on joints, oral and dental problems, decreased sexual desire/lack of desire are observed. The frequency of occurrence in women is considerably higher than in men.
It is accompanied by a strict diet and fear of gaining too much weight, constantly calculating the calories of food, in some cases making oneself vomit after eating excessively, and using laxatives. Can prepare food for others but does not eat it oneself, skips meals, refuses to eat, does not eat in crowded places.
It may be accompanied by mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, substance abuse, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
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Bulimia Nervosa
It is an eating disorder characterized by the desire to eat excessively at certain intervals, binge eating, losing control over eating behavior, not being able to stop, and attempting to empty the intestines/stomach after eating (such as making oneself vomit, using laxatives). In order to lose weight, the person may use various diet products, starve oneself, or go on intensive diets.
Bulimia Nervosa Symptoms
The symptoms include constant thoughts about eating, deterioration in weight and body image, fear of gaining weight but not being able to stop eating, making oneself vomit, dieting to prevent weight gain, using diet products, constantly complaining about gaining weight, not eating in public, going to the bathroom/toilet immediately after eating to remove food, skin sores, swellings, and lumps on the face. Negative body image, dissatisfaction with oneself, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems may be observed.
Alcohol/substance abuse, personality disorders, emotional problems (anxiety, depression), self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors are among the accompanying problems.
Binge Eating
Binge eating behavior is a condition characterized by eating excessive amounts of food at certain intervals and losing control over food. Eating faster than normal, continuing to eat until one is very uncomfortable, eating excessively despite not feeling physiologically hungry, feeling uncomfortable eating when others are watching, therefore preferring to eat alone, feeling disgusted, depressed and feeling guilty after eating are among the most common symptoms.
Pica (Pica)
It includes the behavior of eating things that have no nutritional value and are inedible, such as sand, stone, clay, dirt, glue, ash, feces, hair. If observed for at least one month, it is very important to seek professional help. During pregnancy, in some cases, cravings for things that are not inedible can be observed. In such cases, blood values control and a doctor’s examination are very important in the picture that usually occurs due to iron deficiency.
Rumination Disorder
After eating, it is the situation where a certain amount of digested food is brought back to the mouth by gagging, chewed and swallowed again, or spit out (spit out), regardless of any gastrointestinal (stomach, intestine, etc.) problem.
Avoiding Eating and Limited Food Intake
It is characterized by lack of interest in eating and avoidance of eating. It means not being able to take in enough nutrients and not being able to meet energy needs. Serious physiological disorders may occur as a result of nutritional deficiencies.
Eating Disorder Intervention
A treatment plan is prepared for the individual according to the type of eating disorder and the severity of the symptoms. In patients who are usually followed up through hospitalization, the primary goal is to regulate the eating pattern. Beliefs about weight gain and body image are investigated; a connection is established between thought-emotion-behavior. The aim is to create a positive self-image through body image.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most commonly used types of therapy. In addition to therapy, working with the family is the most important element that increases the functionality of the treatment. Medical treatment is also among the methods used to alleviate the observed emotional symptoms.
