There are a number of common types of eating disorders, and there can be as many as 25 types. Many times, people who suffer from one of these conditions are under the impression that they need to lose weight or alter their diets completely. However, the treatments for each of these conditions are very different, and often, they are treated in very different ways. This makes it difficult for the person who has one of these conditions to get the help she or he needs to improve their eating disorder or to eliminate the symptoms that come with it. Listed below are just a few of the most common types of eating disorders.
One of the most common types of eating disorders is binge-eating disorder. People who have this condition experience uncontrollable cravings that often lead to extreme binge eating. The person may feel guilty about binge-eating, but it’s usually not the food that he or she is actually consuming that causes the guilt. Instead, the guilt is caused by the fact that the person feels as though they’ve ‘done something bad to the person they’re eating for.
Another type of eating disorder is called depression. Depression affects as many as 20% of the American population at some point in their lives. While it’s not always possible to seek treatment for a mental health condition like depression, there are many instances where those who suffer from it can benefit from it in a more traditional sense. Some of the common symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in hobbies and other activities, a constant negative attitude toward everything, trouble functioning, and sleep patterns that are unpredictable and depressing.
Another common type of eating disorder is compulsive overeating, also known as anorexia. People who have this condition experience an overwhelming need to consume a large amount of food even when they are already full. Compulsive overeaters will even eat things that they aren’t sure if they can consume or will refuse to eat if they really do want to stop. Many times, those who suffer from this illness will undergo treatment for depression or a mental health condition before becoming treated for excessive weight loss.
If you or someone you know has one of the above conditions, you may find that depression or anxiety can be a major factor in their eating habits. In these cases, seeking treatment for any of the above disorders will greatly improve the quality of life for everyone. There are several treatments out there depending on the severity of the condition. Those suffering from depression and anxiety may find that therapy and/or medication work well for them. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and those on certain medications may find that health care providers will recommend certain medications in addition to or separate from therapy and diet plans.
The last common type of eating disorder is an eating disorder’ concern, also known as anorexia. Anorexic people suffer from an extreme fear of gaining weight and will often starve themselves to death. This form of treatment involves restricting food intake, obsessively exercising, and completely avoiding any foods that may cause them to gain weight. Unfortunately, many of those who suffer from this condition eventually become addicted to their own diet and suffer from compulsive eating disorders as a result. Due to the fact that this form of treatment involves a great amount of self-starvation and the fact that it usually lasts for many years, those who suffer from this condition are at risk for developing serious health problems as well as suicide.
While there is long-term psychological and mental health treatment available for those suffering from eating disorders, there are several methods available for short-term control. Some of those methods include hypnosis, physical exercise, nutritional counseling, and professional therapy. The unfortunate thing is that if the sufferer doesn’t get treatment for their eating disorders, they will have to suffer the consequences for years while battling their disease. Although many believe that short-term treatments such as these are ineffective, research indicates that patients who have received adequate care have been able to successfully complete recovery.
In order for anyone to beat an eating disorder, it is important to be aware of the various symptoms associated with this mental health problem. Those who are severely overweight or suffer from another eating disorder should seek the help of a qualified physician before losing weight and getting rid of all of their extra weight. If you are overweight and are struggling to make your weight loss goals, then don’t allow your problem to get the best of you. Contact a qualified physician today so that he or she can evaluate your situation and give you the help you need to become healthy and lose the weight that you want to lose.