Disordered Eating

What are Eating Disorders (EDs)?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that can be treated with individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, and the involvement of other medical professionals (such as nutritionalists and primary care providers. We highly recommend a team approach for the treatment of Disordered Eating. 

Eating Disorders include (but are not limited to):

1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – click the link for Bulimia above.
4. Pica
   • Compulsively swallowing non-food items such as clay, paper or dirt.
5. Rumination Disorder
   • The regurgitation of undigested food, followed by re-chewing and re-swallowing or spitting it out.
6. Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
   • The limiting of types of food, or quantities of food eaten, for reasons beyond self-image or a desire to lose weight.

Eating Disorders are mental health conditions, where an individual’s relationship with food is altered, as is a person’s body image. Eating Disorders are serious medical conditions, that can compromise an individual’s emotional and physical well-being.

How Common are Eating Disorders?

Approximately 9% of the US population will meet criteria for an Eating Disorder during their lifetime.

Eating Disorders are more common in women, but about 10% (or higher) of individuals who suffer from disordered eating are men.

Globally, the incidence of eating disorders is increasing, with some estimates suggesting the doubling of prevalence of eating disorders between approximately 2000 and 2020.

Studies also suggest that eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa are more common in wealthier post-industrialized countries, such as the US, several European Countries and Japan.

How can Eating Disorders (EDs) Affect One’s Physical Health?

There are a large number of possible medical sequelae that can occur due to eating disorders, and associated behaviors. They include, but are not limited to:

Health Risks from Malnutrition and Restriction

• Brain damage and Organ failure
• Cardiac Arrhythmias, heart attacks and cardiovascular death
• Fatigue, low blood pressure, dehydration & fall risks
• Osteoporosis
• Hormonal changes and infertility

Health Risks due to Binging and Recurrent Vomiting

• Seizures, arrhythmias and cardiovascular death from electrolyte imbalances
• Esophageal (Mallory-Weiss) Tears, which can cause life-threatening bleeding
• Fatigue, low blood pressure, dehydration
• Gastrointestinal difficulties, including constipation and GERD (gastric reflux)
• Tooth decay, gum disease, enlarged salivary glands
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatitis

Additional

• Various Gastro-Intestinal risks from eating non-food materials
• Neurological and other risks from eating paint or other toxins
• Others

How can Eating Disorders Affect One’s Mental Health?

Disordered Eating can affect the individual’s mental health in various ways.

• Increased anxiety and stress
• Low mood and depressive symptoms
• Increased pre-occupation with food and body image, leading to decreased social interactions, decreased ability to be present with friends and family, decreased academic and occupational function and others.
• Difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy relationships
• Increased risk of self-harm, substance use disorders, suicidal thoughts and suicides.

What Types of Treatment are Available for Disordered Eating?

There are various types of treatment available for individuals with Eating Disorders. We recommend a team approach, including:

• Psychotherapy
• Medication management for symptoms and any co-occurring psychiatric illness
• Collaboration with a nutritionalist
• Collaboration with a patient’s primary care provider, and other specialists if indicated (for example, cardiologist, gastroenterologist).
• Behavioral Modification
• Family Therapy

Do You Offer Both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for the Treatment of Eating Disorders (EDs)?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for the treatment of Eating disorders.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Eating Disorder Treatment?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our providers are Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and we have several licensed and doctoral level therapists and psychologists. We are experienced in working with individuals who struggle with various psychiatric conditions, including various forms of Eating Disorders (EDs).

• Licensed Therapists and Doctoral Level Psychologists
• Board Certified Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
• Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
• Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
• In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of Eating Disorders
• Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Providers who are welcoming to all individuals.