
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Many people with eating disorders suffer from an extreme desire to be thin and feel devastated by a fear of weight gain. Eating disorders significantly influences a person’s thinking and moods and negatively impacts relationships. For that reason, people often experience drastic changes after recovery from eating disorders, not only in their eating habits but in all aspects of their lives.
Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your chance of complete recovery from this deadly disease. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore early signs of eating disorders and do not seek treatment until an advanced stage is reached. Contrary to popular belief, many people with eating disorders appear to be at normal weight, but due to their distorted eating habits, they may be at serious risk for medical complications and need immediate psychological and medical treatment.
Types of Eating Disorders and Warning Signs
Anorexia Nervosa
Signs of anorexia may include:
- Food restriction, such as severe dieting and/or fasting
- Sudden weight loss
- Developing fear and anxiety around food and eating in front of others
- Complaints of feeling cold
- Intense fear of getting fat
- Mood swings and social withdrawal
- Dressing in layers in an attempt to hide weight loss
Bulimia Nervosa
Signs of bulimia nervosa may include:
- Eating rapidly and a larger than normal amount of food
- Inappropriate use of laxatives, diuretics, or other purging behaviors
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- Feeling a lack of control over food
- Excessive exercising or fasting
Binge Eating Disorders
Many individuals with this diagnosis have a long history of failed diets and poor self-esteem. Their eating habits often interfere with their relationships, work, and ability to feel good about themselves.
Signs of bulimia nervosa may include:
- Eating to the point of being uncomfortably full and feeling disgusted afterward
- Unstructured eating habits
- Eating in secret due to embarrassment
- Basing self-worth on weight and control of eating
- Restricting activities due to shame about weight
Eating Disorder Treatment for Adolescents
I frequently consult and work closely with pediatricians, psychiatrists, and nutritionists with expertise in eating disorders to support and create a multidisciplinary team to maximize your teen’s long-term recovery.
I have successfully treated many teens and adults with eating disorders, and now I am proud to offer specialized treatment of eating disorders to teens and families in the Torrance and South Bay areas in Los Angeles County.
Eating Disorder Treatment for Adults
My holistic approach to eating disorder treatment addresses the complexity of this disorder. I believe that every person can attain freedom from their self-defeating habitual behaviors and addictions given the right set of tools. I use several different treatment modalities including:
- Individual and Family Therapy
- Attachment Based Therapy
- Mindfulness Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training
- Relapse Prevention
You no longer have to struggle alone. Take my offer of a free phone consultation, and together, we can start a journey of healing and recovery.