Eating Disorders: Mental Health Condition
General Information Regarding Abnormal Eating Patterns
Aug 25, 2008
Karen Carpenter, drummer/singer for the Carpenters band, ceased living February 4, 1983 from complications of the eating disorder, anorexia nervosa. Cardiac arrest was the medical declaration. The abnormal chemistry in her body due to the anorexia nervosa led to her heart's failure. She was approaching mid-thirties, pretty, talented, riding the luxury of success, yet, insidiously, her life ebbed away as the rock 'n roll group climbed to greater heights of accomplishment.
Definition of an Eating Disorder
The loose definition of an eating disorder is the abnormal intake or lack of intake (or combination), of food, which, over time, can lead to severe health issues culminating in the loss of one's life. There are specific categories of eating disorders, each with a defining cluster of symptoms.
Though men and teenage boys can suffer from an eating disorder, the usual victim is a girl or young woman. Body image plays a major role in the development of an eating disorder. This condition tends to present itself In cultures where the thin body type is idolized. This is a psychological/mental health condition overlapping into the medical field.
Denial and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders impact the whole person--psychologically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. They can be difficult to treat, because, like an addiction, there is often a fierce denial system present, and the condition has multiple layers to it.
What is denial? It is the inability to recognize the reality of a situation. The mind finds ways to make excuses, color the truth, until the individual cannot separate fact from falsehood. The denial system then, in turn, helps to perpetuate an unhealthy condition. If not addressed, depending upon the type of condition, an individual may suffer severe consequences, even loss of life.
Denial isn't uncommon. Most people use it from time to time to cope, especially during periods of intense anxiety and stress. However, when the stressors cease, so does the denial, usually. With an eating disorder, however, as the disorder progresses, so the denial system becomes more severe/intense.
General Characteristics of an Eating Disorder
There are some red flags to be aware of:
- Preoccupation with weight and body size;
- A growing rigidity concerning eating habits (eats only certain foods, withdraws from eating socially);
- Wearing baggy clothes to conceal weight loss; and
- Fluctuations in moods/mood swings.
Age Eating Disorders May Begin
Teenagers are an easy target for developing an eating disorder. They become acutely aware of their developing bodies. Their dual needs for growing independence and social acceptance can trigger odd eating behaviors. Just because a teen may change his/her eating habits does not automatically signal the onset of an eating disorder. However, as dieting may become an obsession, awareness of the red flags is important. Early intervention may make a difference in treatment success.
Help for Eating Disorders
If there is a suspicion of an eating disorder there is help available. Unlike the times of Karen Carpenter, much study has been done since 1983. One's primary care physician or licensed eating disorder professional/psychiatrist/psychologist would be able to direct for resource information. Treating oneself is not recommended given the multi-faceted layers of this condition.
Source
V.L. Cameron, Timothy Walsh, M.D., If Your Adolescent Has an Eathing Disorder, Oxford University Press, Inc., 198 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, 2005, pgs. 1-24.
Note to the reader: The information presented is not intended to treat a condition.
 |
