Eating Disorders

What is the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? Often times we hear these term interchangeably, and while the two are similar, they are characterized slightly different from one another. An eating disorder is a complex mental illness characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and impairment in psychological functioning. The DSM classifies the following major diagnoses of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED). Disordered eating, on the other hand, does not meet criteria for diagnosis in the DMS. Disordered eating is often characterized by problematic eating behaviors and disordered thought patterns related to food, one's weight and body shape, and physical appearance. Disordered eating will often present with behaviors such as skipping meals, dieting, restricting food intake, eliminating certain food groups, binge eating, excessive laxative, diuretic, or weight loss medication use, and using compensatory measures including purging and excessive exercise. (nationaleatingdisorders.org)

If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating, we are here to help. Eating disorders are severe and complex, and disordered eating is often a precursor to developing a clinically diagnosed eating disorder. It is critical to seek help if you feel you meet any of the characteristics for an eating disorder or disordered eating so that you can regain your life back. We can help you rediscover your unique self outside of your relationship with food and body image, and develop a healthy relationship with the two and ultimately a healthy relationship with your true self. 

Through the use of therapeutic modalities including person centered, DBT, CBT, and ACT, you will find skills to cope with problematic thought processes related to food and body image. We can help you challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs about food and body image and be on the road to recovery and a long, healthy, balanced life. 
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