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Eating Disorders

At Clarity Clinic, we understand the complex and sensitive nature of eating disorders, and we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals on their journey to recovery.
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Eating Disorders
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Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that cause disturbances in people’s eating patterns and are marked by excessive thoughts about body weight, shape, or size. There are three main types of eating disorders — anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, nearly 20 million women and men suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are 10 times more common in young women, but eating disorders are being reported at an increasingly higher rate in men and older women.

Eating disorders, which typically develop during the teenage years or early adulthood, are treatable but can result in medical and health problems without intervention. Reach out to an eating disorder therapist for yourself or someone you know to get the needed help and support.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are three main types of eating disorders — anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa, simply known as anorexia, is an eating disorder marked by abnormally low body weight characterized by a fear of gaining weight because of a distorted body image. Those diagnosed with anorexia weigh, on average, 85 percent of what is average for their age and height; although this 85 percent marker is not a criterion factor for diagnosing anorexia. Those with anorexia go to extreme measures to restrict calories, sometimes limiting their eating, using diet aids, laxatives, or enemas, as well as vomiting.

Those with anorexia may obsess with exercising to reduce weight. Additionally, binging – overeating or eating obsessively — and purging – using unhealthy ways to get rid of calories (vomiting, excessive exercising) — also are associated with anorexia, which is similar to bulimia, but those with anorexia maintain significantly low body weight.

Anorexia has less to do with actual weight and more to do with self-worth associated with body image. Those with anorexia struggle with shame, guilt, and depression, and may have trouble with social connections. Additionally, co-occurring diagnoses of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can develop because of an obsession with food patterns and rituals.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa, simply known as bulimia, is associated with bingeing and purging behaviors — overeating and then trying to get rid of calories through vomiting, excessive exercising, or other restrictive diets.

As with anorexia, bulimia is an emotional illness that is connected to low self-esteem and poor self-image. Studies have shown that purging behavior provides a sense of self-control and reduction in anxiety, making it hard to treat. Additionally, research has suggested that purging is often learned through friends and that dieting is a precursor to the development of bulimia.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by overeating or consuming large amounts of food to the point of loss of control. Binge eating may contribute to weight gain and obesity and can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and disgust when eating urges can’t be controlled. Those who suffer from binge eating disorders turn to food to cope with feelings of low self-worth which can trigger depression and anxiety, causing a vicious cycle that indirectly contributes to the disorder.

Differences in the Three Main Eating Disorders

Anorexia

  • Use of extreme measures to control weight – restriction of calories — excessive exercising, laxatives, diet aid, limiting food consumption, vomiting
  • May co-occur with a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder connected to compulsive behaviors tied to food patterns, thoughts, or rituals.
  • Connected to feelings of low self-worth and distorted body image

Bulimia

  • Use of extreme measures to control weight – restriction of calories — excessive exercising, laxatives, diet aid, limiting food consumption, vomiting
  • Is not necessarily connected to low body weight
  • Connected to feelings of low self-worth and distorted body image

Binge Eating Disorder

  • Overeating or consuming large amounts of food in one sitting.
  • Feeling a loss of control to stop urges
  • Connected to feelings of guilt and shame regarding food consumption and can trigger depression and anxiety
  • The use of food to cope with depression and anxiety contributes to a cycle of overeating.

 

What Causes Eating Disorders

While they are no definitive causes of eating disorders, several factors can contribute to the development of the illness, including:

Genetics – Studies have found that eating disorders are common in people whose first-degree relatives – parents, siblings – also have the illness. Additionally, children may learn behaviors connected to eating disorders from moms who struggle with eating issues, unwittingly teaching negative behaviors to their children, such as using food as a reward, modeling unusual eating patterns, or expressing concern about their weight or their child’s weight.

Environmental – those who have experienced family dysfunction or witnessed alcohol or substance abuse in the family may turn to food to cope. Additionally, those whose caregivers or family members were overly critical of their weight or body were more at risk for an eating disorder.

Trauma – those who have survived sexual abuse or physical or emotional neglect are at a higher risk of eating disorders.

Societal Pressures – Society and cultural pressures to be thin and feelings of low self-worth or inadequacy connected to societal preferences can contribute to eating disorders.

Substance abuse – those who are currently substance abusers or are withdrawing from drugs or alcohol are more prone to anxiety disorders. Additionally, those who experience anxiety may be more prone to turn to drugs or alcohol to lessen their symptoms.

Co-occurring conditions – those dealing with depression and anxiety, as well as obsessive-compulsive behaviors can be contributing factors to an eating disorder.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

While many people will diet or restrict calories at some point in their lives, it may be hard to identify definitive symptoms of an eating disorder.

A diagnosis of an eating disorder requires an evaluation and diagnosis by a licensed clinician such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. At Clarity Clinic, we specialize in eating disorder assessments and treatment for children, teens, and adults aimed at understanding the severity, length, and frequency of the symptoms, including ruling out a differential diagnosis, to determine the best treatment options.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Studies have found that cognitive behavior therapy has been effective in treating eating disorders. Cognitive-behavior therapy or CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on changing behaviors and thought patterns for those suffering from eating disorders. At Clarity Clinic, our therapists are trained in CBT interventions and strategies to help patients acknowledge and redirect distorted thought patterns about their weight and body image, as well as strengthen their views about themselves, to improve self-worth and self-esteem.

Our eating disorder therapists take a multi-disciplinary approach, working in conjunction with the psychiatrist treating co-occurring disorders, as well as the client’s nutritionist and family to devise an individual treatment plan tailored to each client’s symptoms.

Family therapy is also recommended in the treatment of individuals struggling with eating disorders, particularly adolescents, considering family dynamics often contribute to the development and continuity of the disorder.

Living with Someone With An Eating Disorder

An eating disorder can take a huge emotional and physical toll on the individual struggling, but it can also cause depression and anxiety in family members who feel helpless in improving their loved one’s symptoms. Some suggestions to help your loved one may include:

  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • Focus on strengths
  • Take the focus off food and weight
  • Reduce conflict at mealtime but discussing concerns separate from food settings
  • Seek family therapy or participate in a support group
  • Highlight characteristics of self outside of appearance (i.e. compliment on their kindness, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, etc.)

Your Path to Recovery Starts Here

If you or a loved one are seeking compassionate and effective treatment for eating disorders, Clarity Clinic is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us be your partner in healing, offering the tools and support needed to overcome challenges and embrace a life of balance, health, and vitality.

Take the first step towards lasting recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our eating disorder treatment and embark on a transformative journey toward a brighter future.

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PHP Program & IOP Program For Eating Disorders

If you’re interested in a more intensive form of therapy for eating disorders, our IOP and PHP treatment programs can be a great fit! Browse our PHP and IOP therapy curriculum to get a glimpse at our comprehensive treatment plan. Feel free to request more information on our IOP and PHP programs near you and begin receiving the compassionate care you deserve at Clarity’s IOP and PHP program.

Eating Disorders Providers

Stefan
Stefan Dabizljevic, LSW
Therapy
Terese
Terese Daly, LPC
Therapy
Hana
Hana Khan, LSW
Therapy
Michael
Michael White
Therapy Clinical Intern
Bryanna
Bryanna Tartt, LCSW, CADC
Therapy
Alexandra
Alexandra Gremp, LPC, MEd, PEL
Therapy
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Black, LCPC
Director of Clinical Therapy
Ross
Ross Pepper, MD
Psychiatrist
Anish
Anish Desai, MD
Psychiatrist
Reid
Reid Alley, MD
Psychiatrist
Sheena
Sheena Patel, PA-C
PA-C
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA-C
Psychiatry
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Zubair
Zubair Khan, PA-C
PA-C
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Kyla
Kyla Goggin, LCSW
Therapist
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Bianca
Bianca Miller, LCPC
Therapist
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
James
James Histed, MA
Therapist
Julia
Julia Ray, MA
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Shelton, LCPC, LMHC, CADC, CAGCS, CRSS
Therapy
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Stanley, LCSW
Therapy
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Emily
Emily Brennan, PA-C
PA-C
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Dane
Dane Davlantis, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Carolyn
Carolyn Klinkert, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Brittany
Brittany Wilson, LPC
Therapy
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C
Alice
Alice Davies, MA
Therapy

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