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Eating Disorders
In our society today we
are seeing an epidemic number of Americans concerned about their weight.
Unfortunately, excessive preoccupation with weight, food, and body size can
lead to serious problems and in some individuals can lead to the development
of an Eating Disorder.
Eating Disorders can be
broken down into four categories. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an
intense fear of weight gain even though individuals are excessively thin.
In these individuals body weight is often 20% below ideal yet they truly
believe they are "fat". Social isolation and moodiness are also symptoms.
Bulimia is an emotional disorder characterized by a recurrent cycle of
abnormal eating behavior. This cycle includes episodes of binge eating, or
eating more than an individual believes is acceptable, followed by purging,
either with laxatives, diuretics, self induced vomiting or excessive
exercise. Emotional overeating or Binge Eating disorder is characterized by
an obsession with food and the use of food to deal with emotional issues.
Fat restriction is the fourth category of Eating Disorders and is
characterized by a refusal to eat any foods with a fat content.
Eating Disorders are
emotionally based and the treatment needs to be directed at addressing the
therapeutic issues involved, not just treatment of the food and weight.
Though low body weight must be addressed, if therapeutic issues are not
addressed as well, the recidivism rate is very high and recovery is not
usually possible. At Cameron Valley, we help clients work towards a full
recovery from their Eating Disorders and resolution of any and all issues
involved. Counseling is individualized and group counseling is offered as
well to those who are interested. Referrals are made to nutritional
counseling with Eating Disorder specialists as needed.
For more information about
"New Beginning," an intensive outpatient program offered by
Ann Kreindler-Siegel, MSW, LCSW, and
Joyce Hennessy, MSW, LCSW, please visit their
website at www.newbeginningiop.com.
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