A PEEK INTO EATING DISORDERS...

An eating disorder is marked by extremes. It is present when a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape.

These are potentially life-threatening illnesses which are simultaneously psychological and physical in nature. They tend to think of themselves as "fat" and "ugly" because of their body size and shape, even when this self-judgment is objectively inaccurate and false. For them, controlling their eating behaviors is the logical pathway in their quest for thinness.

RISK FACTOR

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

Neuroticism (emotional stability),

Obsessive ness, and

Perfectionism.

SKILL DEFICIT:

• Stressful transitions (e.g., going to college),
• Family conflict
• Academic pressure.

INFLUENCES:

• Pathology within the family
• Alcohol and drug use.
• Marital discord, domestic violence and divorce.

PREVALANCE

Ø Common in women.
Ø Male: female ratio (1:10)

CAUSES

Eating disorder are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long standing behavioral, biological, emotional, interpersonal, and social factors.

Psychological:

· Low self-esteem
· Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life.
· Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness

Interpersonal:

· Troubled family and personal relationships
· Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings
· History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight

Social Factors:

· Cultural pressures that glorify “thinness” and place value on obtaining the “perfect body”
· Narrow definitions of beauty
· Cultural norms

Biological Factors:

In some individuals with eating disorders, certain chemical in the brain (serotonin) that control appetite been found to be unbalanced

TYPES OF EATING DISORDER

1) Deliberate and sustained weight loss driven by a fear of distorted body image. Avoids food due to fear of gaining weight.

2) Cyclical and recurring pattern of binge eating (uncontrolled bursts of overeating) followed by guilt, self-recrimination and over compensatory behavior such as crash dieting, over exercising and purging to compensate for the excessive caloric intake

3) Consumption of very large amounts of food in a short period of time. These people often have suicidal thoughts, struggle digesting their food, and are stressed.

THE EFFECTS:

The effects of starvation in the body:

· A drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate
· Hair loss and fingernail breakage
· Loss of periods
· Langue hair, a soft hair that can grow all over the skin
· Lightheadedness and inability to concentrate
· Anemia
· Swollen joints
· Brittle bones

Effects of over eating in the body and constant purging & vomiting can cause loss of minerals and lack of nutrients can cause:

· Constant stomach pain
· Damage to the stomach and kidneys
· Tooth decay (from exposure to stomach acids)
· "Chipmunk cheeks," when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so often
· Loss of periods
· Loss of the mineral potassium (this can contribute to heart problems and even death

Historical Understandings:

Historical evidence suggests that anorexia and bulimia have existed since at least the first century.

· During the time of Caesar (700 B.C.), rich ancient Romans overindulged at lavish banquets and then relieved themselves by vomiting so they could return to the feast and continue eating. (BULIMIA NERVOSA)
· Ancient Egyptians drew hieroglyphics that depicted their use of monthly purges to avoid illness. · Persian medical manuscripts, and Chinese scrolls originating in early dynasties also describe ailments that are very similar to modern eating disorders.
· The vast body of tribal lore from Africa who fasted during times of extreme famine in order to save food for their children, and then continued to restrict their diet and were in danger of dying even after the famine was over.(ANOREXIA NERVOSA)

Things all eating disorders have in common:

As mentioned previously, all three eating disorders are serious mental and physical conditions with potentially life-threatening repercussions.
· Individuals typically experience painful emotions
· People often fear gaining any weight, and their self-esteem is highly influenced by their body weight.
· Even when friends, family and coworkers worry about an individual's weight loss and painfully thin appearance, these individuals still consider them fat, and discount the value and worth of other's opinions.
· People diagnosed with eating disorders tend to be anxious about and sensitive to social acceptance.

If You Suspect an Eating Disorder:

1. If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, it's important to intervene and help your child get diagnosed and treated.



2. Kids with eating disorders often react defensively and angrily when confronted for the first time. Many have trouble admitting, even to themselves, that they have a problem.



3. Trying to help when someone doesn't think he or she needs it can be hard. As hard as it might be, getting the professional assistance needed, even if your child resists, is the best help you can give as a parent. Approach your child in a loving, supportive, and non-threatening way when your child feels comfortable and relaxed and there are no distractions.



4. Your child may be more receptive to a conversation if you focus on your own concerns, and use "I" statements, rather than "you" statements. For example, steer clear of statements like "you have an eating disorder" or "you're obsessed with food," which may only prompt anger and denial. Instead, try "I imagine that it's very stressful to count calories of everything you eat" or "I'm worried that you have lost so much weight so quickly."



5. If you still encounter resistance, talk with your doctor or a mental health care professional about other approaches.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT:

Homeopathy, healing is much more profound and lasting. Homeopathy treats the whole person, including, but not limited to, the symptoms of the eating disorder. Therefore, the remedy works to get to the core of why the compulsion is there in the first place. Whether the issue stems from an emotional, genetic or physiological trauma or imbalance, the homeopathic remedy can have a dramatically positive effect on the patient. By working to balance the entire system, Homeopathy is not just treating the symptoms of the eating disorder. It also works to create equilibrium in the patient.