Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex and serious mental illnesses that are characterized by abnormal and harmful eating behaviors. These disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background, and can have devastating effects on physical and psychological health, as well as social and interpersonal relationships.
Atlanta Specialized Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for eating disorders of all types. We are committed to providing compassionate care in a safe environment conducive to recovery from an eating disorder. Our team will work closely with you or your loved one throughout their treatment journey in order to achieve sustained recovery.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is an unhealthy relationship between food and weight that can have a negative effect on physical, mental, and emotional health. Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that affect millions of people in the United States alone, both men and women of all ages. In general, individuals who suffer from an eating disorder often focus on their body shape or weight to the exclusion of other aspects of their lives. However, it is important to note that not all eating disorders involve food restriction and body image concerns.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are several types of eating disorders that range from food restriction to eating large amounts of food in short periods of time. Although there are several, there are four different common eating disorders found among men and women: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight and body dysmorphia, with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. It is defined as self-starvation and/or excessive exercise, leading to a weight that is significantly lower than what is expected for a person's age, sex, height, and physical health.
Bulimia nervosa, also known simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging. It is a serious mental illness that requires professional treatment and long-term care to manage effectively. People with bulimia often feel out of control when it comes to their eating behaviors, leading to drastic attempts to “purge” or rid their bodies of the food they have eaten through vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short amount of time. During a binge episode, an individual may feel out of control and unable to stop eating despite feeling full or uncomfortable. BED is often a response to emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, or stress. It can also be triggered by feeling unsatisfied with one’s body image, which can lead to excessive dieting and restrictions on food intake.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a relatively recently identified eating disorder characterized by an avoidance of certain types of food and/or a significant decrease in food intake without the presence of body image disturbance or fear of gaining weight. It is most commonly seen in children and adolescents; however, adults can also develop ARFID.
Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorder treatment is a critical part of helping those with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other types of disordered eating to recover from their illness. Treatment for eating disorders often involves a combination of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, nutrition counseling, medical care, and psychopharmacology.
The goal of treatment for an eating disorder is not only symptom reduction but also improved overall functioning and quality of life through increased self-esteem, improved body image, better coping skills, improved interpersonal relationships, a more positive outlook on life, and greater confidence in oneself as an individual. At Atlanta Specialized Care, we ensure each of our patients gets the individualized and comprehensive care they deserve to carry out this mission.
Eating Disorder Treatment in Atlanta & Alpharetta, GA
Don’t let your eating disorder dictate how you live your life anymore. Instead, get help from the expert specialists at Atlanta Specialized Care. We offer personalized, comprehensive health care to those suffering from an eating disorder or other mental health concerns. For more information about our treatments for eating disorders or other mental health conditions, please call Atlanta Specialized Care at (770) 815-6853 or arrange a consultation online by using our information request form.
