Woman in therapy for eating disorder

What Therapies Can be Used for Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders can be difficult to deal with and often debilitating. There is a wide range of what an eating disorder can be and what that looks like for someone. Some may experience situations where they can’t stop eating or don’t eat.

Both experiences can be harmful to someone’s physical and mental health. This makes it crucial for someone struggling with an eating disorder to get help. Here’s a guide on receiving therapy for eating disorders and treatment types that are available and effective.

What Types of Eating Disorders Are There?

Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and associated distressing emotions and thoughts. This is a serious condition that affects daily physical, psychological, and social function, leading to long-term health problems.

Many people who suffer from eating disorders include women, but it can affect anyone regardless of gender or age. People with eating disorders typically develop this condition during adolescence or young adulthood. Some types of eating disorders that people experience include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: characterized as self-starvation and weight loss resulting in low weight for the person’s height and age.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: characterized as alternating between overeating and then fasting, using laxatives, or vomiting to expel the food.
  • Binge Eating Disorder: characterized by someone eating very large amounts of food in one meal.

Treatment Types for Eating Disorders

There are a few effective therapy treatment methods that can help people with eating disorders, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Nutritional Therapy

Therapy can change people’s behaviors to reinforce healthy practices that promote positive behaviors. They can help change how someone eats and copes with their thoughts and emotions. Getting help will ensure that someone will have healthy eating habits that prevent severe health problems and promotes quality of life.

Read More About Therapy For Eating Disorders