Eating disorder counselling

By definition, eating disorders may be classified as a need to eat or not to eat in order to keep painful feelings at bay. This, of course, is a delicate state of affairs since people with eating disorders are affected by this condition emotionally, psychologically and physically. Therefore a timely treatment may be necessary in order for people to overcome this health problem. Counseling is one of the best methods for treating eating disorders.

The Problem

Speaking of eating disorders, more and more people get affected by these health problems with every passing year. In fact, about 1.15 million people in the US suffer from some kind of an eating disorder. Unfortunately, only 60,000 to 90,000 seek medical help and are undergoing treatment. Judging from this statistic information, every doctor is bound to have at least two anorexic individuals among his/her patients and about 18 patients with bulimia.

Yet, people commonly deny the presence of an eating disorder in their lives and give their best to avoid seeking medical attention until too late. Moreover, people who do seek help, never actually complain about any symptoms of eating disorders.

Types of Eating Disorders

Apart from bulimia, which is overeating and then compensating for this through self-induced vomiting and other methods, and anorexia, which is eating less than necessary, there are conditions which involve overeating too. For example, binge eating manifests through emotional need to consume food, in hope that their personal problems will disappear through excessive eating.

Yet, doctors usually ignore the needs of their patients with eating disorders and offer them sheets to fill out rather than asking them questions or suggesting counseling as a potential type of treatment. However, in some cases, counseling can make all the difference.

Treatment for Eating Disorders

Treatment for conditions like anorexia nervosa consists of several parts. First of all, counseling is necessary, accompanied by family and group therapy as well as involvement in support group treatment. Alternatively, the patient may take up acting, art or drama classes and change his/her lifestyle through accepting numerous nutrition rules and advices.

People suffering from eating disorders resemble drug or alcohol addicts due to the fact that their condition is quite similar to an addiction. Therefore, they need all the help they can get in order to overcome their eating problems.

Bulimic people, for example, need to learn how to control and prevent their binge eating or how to restrain themselves from vomiting or rejecting the eaten food in some other ways. This is a very hard process demanding strength, persistence and incredible will-power. Nevertheless, with proper help and support, these people can manage to overcome their eating disorders.