Dr. Victoria Mountford, Lead Psychologist and Eating Disorder Service Lead at Sage Clinics in Dubai, provides insights into the most common eating disorders (EDs), their triggers, signs, and the essential support required for recovery.
1. Anorexia Nervosa
Psychological Triggers: Various triggers, such as dieting, family discord, loss, transitions, abuse or bullying, and stress from school or work, contribute to anorexia nervosa. Factors like low self-esteem and perfectionism also play a role.
Signs and Symptoms: Individuals with anorexia nervosa exhibit extreme preoccupation with controlling food, weight, and shape, leading to significant underweight. Although Physical signs include fatigue, feeling cold, hair loss, and disrupted menstrual cycles in females.
Support Needed: A medical review is crucial to identify health risks. While Psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Eating Disorders (CBT-ED), Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA), or family therapy, alongside nutritional support, are recommended.
2. Bulimia Nervosa
Psychological Triggers: Dieting is a significant risk factor for bulimia nervosa.
Signs and Symptoms: Individuals with bulimia nervosa may have swollen parotid glands, bruised knuckles, bloodshot eyes, and experience significant weight fluctuations.
Support Needed: A medical review is necessary to check for electrolyte imbalances. So Treatment typically involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED) and nutritional support.
3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Psychological Triggers: Binge eating can be triggered by emotional distress, boredom, or as a form of self-reward.
Signs and Symptoms: So Binge eaters consume large quantities of food in secret, experiencing a loss of control. They often feel embarrassed and ashamed.
Support Needed: Treatment usually involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED) and nutritional support.
4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Psychological Triggers: ARFID can develop due to adverse food experiences, sensory aversions, or lack of interest or pleasure in food.
Signs and Symptoms: So isndividuals with ARFID have a limited range of acceptable foods, leading to nutritional deficiencies and difficulties eating outside the home.
Support Needed: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for ARFID (CBT-AR) is a new therapy developed for ARFID. Nutritional support is also recommended.
