Eating disorder intervention and treatment for eating disorders often require different approaches. Due to the high rates of trauma associated with these disorders, it is vital the professionals involved understand the safest ways to proceed. 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. Teenage eating disorders, eating disorders in males and adult eating disorders are becoming more common across the Unites States. Eating disorders are serious and often result in serious physical destruction if not professionally treated. Eating disorder intervention is an effective way to help someone you love find treatment.

An eating disorder often starts out with eating smaller or larger amounts of food than usual. At some point, the individuals urge to eat less or more becomes uncontrollable. Eating disorders are complex and often based in unresolved trauma of some sort. Eating disorder intervention is a delicate process requiring a well trained professional or professionals. When intervening it is important that a professional be on hand to manage any symptoms of trauma that may surface. Unlike the Intervention TV Show a surprise intervention is not usually the best way to proceed with eating disorder interventions.

 

More about eating disorders

The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third category is "eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)," which generalizes many variations of eating disorders. Most of these disorders are similar to anorexia or bulimia but with slightly different characteristics. Binge-eating disorder and compulsive over eating are two examples of EDNOS. We provide eating disorder interventions for all known eating disorders and EDNOS.

Eating disorders typically manifest during adolescence or young adulthood, but some reports indicate that they can develop during childhood or later in adulthood. Teenage eating disorders are more common in women and girls. Men and boys account for an estimated 5 to 15 percent of patients with anorexia or bulimia and an estimated 35 percent of those with binge-eating disorder.

Eating disorders are a treatable medical illnesses with complicated underlying psychological and biological causes. These disorders co-exist with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders. People with eating disorders also can suffer from numerous other physical health complications, such as heart conditions or kidney failure, which can lead to death. For more information about teenage eating disorders, eating disorder interventions, treatment for eating disorders or any other help for eating disorders, please call our toll free helpline at 888-435-7960.

 

Teenage eating disorders

Teenage eating disorders are a sensitive topic and difficult for families to discuss. Intervention 180 specializes in teenage eating disorders and helping families work through the difficulties associated with them. It is vital to approach teens who are suspected of any eating disorder, with caution and a professionals guidance.

Eating disorders are typically a teens way of "taking control". Many times our adolescent clients report feeling their eating disorder was the "one thing" that was they had power over. Teens these days face many issues which make them feel helpless. Eating disorders are an ineffective coping skill used to manipulate and mask emotions. Sometimes these disorders are not even related to feeling overweight. The causes of eating disorders are many and complex. We can help the family understand "why" and "what" to do about the problem.

Intervention 180 works with several of the nations leading eating disorder treatment programs. Prior to any intervention for teenage eating disorders, we complete an assessment and make clinical recommendations for treatment. If you are a teen looking for treatment, feel free to call us for help. All treatment referrals are free. For more information on teenage eating disorders or intervention services call our national helpline at 888-435-7960. We are here 24/7 to help.

 

Causes of Eating Disorders

The causes of eating disorders are many and extremely complex. A combination of long-standing behavioral,
biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors are usually the core causes of eating disorders. Scientists and researchers are still learning about the underlying causes of these emotionally and physically damaging conditions. We do know, however, about some of the general issues that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. While eating disorders may begin with preoccupations with food and weight, they are most often about much more than food. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an
attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming. For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one’s life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control. Psychological Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:
• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life
• Depression, anxiety, anger, or loneliness
Interpersonal Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:
• Troubled family and personal relationships
• Difficulty expressing emotions and feelings
• History of being teased or ridiculed based on size or weight
• History of physical or sexual abuse
Social Factors that can Contribute to Eating Disorders:
• Cultural pressures that glorify “thinness” and place value on obtaining the “perfect body”
• Narrow definitions of beauty that include only women and men of specific body weights and
shapes
• Cultural norms that value people on the basis of physical appearance and not inner qualities and
strengths

Medical Causes of Eating Disorders

• Eating disorders are similar to drug addiction in many ways. Eating releases surges of dopamine, just like drugs and alcohol. Thought the levels of dopamine are less from eating than using drugs, the rituals, secrecy and obsession are the same.

• The medical field is researching many possible causes of eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders appear to have an unbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are related to the control of hunger, appetite, and digestion.

• Eating disorders have shown some genetic factors and often run in families.

• Eating disorders are often the result of some form of trauma and often involve feelings of shame, lack of self worth and the need for intensive treatment and post treatment support.

For more information about eating disorders, the causes of eating disorders and eating disorder intervention, please call our national helpline at 888-435-7960. We are here 24/7 to help and answer questions.

For Assistance Call Our National Helpline 1-888-435-7960