Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, distorted thoughts about food, and significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. 

Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping individuals navigate the challenges associated with various eating disorders, including:

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
• Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
• Orthorexia

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources necessary to understand these complex conditions, recognize your symptoms, and seek appropriate treatment and support. 

At Bristol Health, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based treatment options tailored to your unique needs, fostering hope and recovery.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and persistent efforts to restrict food intake, leading to severe weight loss. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa, because early intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you are struggling with anorexia nervosa.

• Extreme restriction of food intake or excessive dieting
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when underweight
• Distorted body image or dissatisfaction with body shape and size
• Denial of the seriousness of low body weight
• Compulsive exercise or overexertion to control weight
• Withdrawal from social activities or avoidance of situations involving food
• Physical symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, hair loss, or irregular menstrual periods

Causes of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex disorder with no single cause. It is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Some potential risk factors include a family history of eating disorders, a history of dieting, perfectionism, and exposure to societal pressure to maintain a certain body shape or size.

Treatment Options for Anorexia Nervosa

Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible with appropriate treatment and support. At Bristol Health, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options tailored to your individual needs, including:

• Medical care to address any physical complications resulting from malnutrition
• Nutritional counseling to help you develop a healthy relationship with food and establish balanced eating patterns
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy, to address underlying thoughts and emotions related to the disorder
• Support groups to foster a sense of connection and understanding with others who share similar experiences

Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives.

This cycle of binging and purging can have severe physical and emotional consequences, making it crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa and seek help as early as possible.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you are struggling with bulimia nervosa:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period and feeling a lack of control during these episodes
• Regular use of compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or misuse of laxatives or diuretics
• Intense preoccupation with body shape and weight
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress related to binge eating and purging behaviors
• Physical symptoms, such as dental erosion, swollen glands, electrolyte imbalances, or irregular menstrual periods

Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, including genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Some potential risk factors include a family history of eating disorders, a history of dieting, perfectionism, and exposure to societal pressure to maintain a certain body shape or size.

Treatment Options for Bulimia Nervosa

Recovery from bulimia nervosa is possible with the appropriate treatment and support. At Bristol Health, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options to address your individual needs, including:

• Medical care to address any physical complications resulting from the binge-purge cycle
• Nutritional counseling to help you establish healthy eating patterns and a balanced relationship with food
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), to address underlying thoughts and emotions related to the disorder
• Support groups to foster connection and understanding with others who share similar experiences

Binge eating disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by feelings of loss of control during these episodes.

Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder does not involve regular use of compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder and seek help as early as possible to improve recovery outcomes.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you are struggling with binge eating disorder:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period and feeling a lack of control during these episodes
• Eating more rapidly than normal or until uncomfortably full
• Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
• Eating alone or in secret due to embarrassment about the amount of food consumed
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress related to binge eating
• No regular use of compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise, to counteract the binge eating

Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences.

Some potential risk factors include a family history of eating disorders, a history of dieting, emotional stress, and exposure to societal pressure to maintain a certain body shape or size.

Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorder

Recovery from binge eating disorder is possible with appropriate treatment and support. At Bristol Health, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options to address your individual needs, including:

• Nutritional counseling can help you establish healthy eating patterns and a balanced relationship with food.
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), to address underlying thoughts and emotions related to the disorder.
• Mental health medication, if indicated, can help manage co-occurring mental health conditions or reduce binge eating episodes.
• Support groups can foster connection and understanding with others who share similar experiences.

Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED) is a diagnostic category used to describe feeding and eating disorders that cause significant distress or impairment but do not meet the full criteria for other specific disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

Examples of OSFED include atypical anorexia nervosa, purging disorder, and night eating syndrome.

Symptoms of OSFED

The symptoms of OSFED can vary widely depending on the specific presentation of the disorder. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you are experiencing OSFED:

• Persistent concerns about body shape, weight, or appearance
• Disordered eating behaviors, such as restrictive dieting, binge eating, or purging
• Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning due to eating behaviors or thoughts
• Symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for another specific eating disorder but are still causing significant distress

Causes of OSFED

OSFED is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Some potential risk factors include a family history of eating disorders, a history of dieting, emotional stress, and exposure to societal pressure to maintain a certain body shape or size.

Treatment Options for OSFED

Recovery from OSFED is possible with appropriate treatment and support. At Bristol Health, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options to address your individual needs, including:

• Nutritional counseling can help you establish healthy eating patterns and a balanced relationship with food.
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), to address underlying thoughts and emotions related to the disorder.
• Mental health medication, if indicated, can help manage co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Support groups can foster connection and understanding with others who share similar experiences.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional or energy needs due to selective eating patterns or avoidance of certain foods.

ARFID is not driven by concerns about body shape or weight, distinguishing it from other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of ARFID and seek help as early as possible to improve recovery outcomes.

Symptoms of ARFID

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you are experiencing ARFID:

• Significant weight loss or failure to achieve expected weight gain in children
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia or low bone density
• Dependence on nutritional supplements or tube feeding
• Marked interference with social functioning due to selective eating or avoidance of certain foods
• Persistent lack of interest in food or avoidance of specific food textures, colors, or smells without concern for body shape or weight

Causes of ARFID

ARFID is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Some potential risk factors include a family history of eating disorders or anxiety disorders, a history of gastrointestinal issues, or traumatic experiences related to food or eating.

Treatment Options for ARFID

Recovery from ARFID is possible with appropriate treatment and support. At Bristol Health, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options to address your individual needs, including:

• Nutritional counseling can help you establish healthy eating patterns and a balanced relationship with food.
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or family-based therapy, can address underlying thoughts and emotions related to the disorder.
• Exposure therapy can gradually increase your comfort with a variety of foods and textures.
• Support groups can foster connection and understanding with others who share similar experiences.

Orthorexia is a term used to describe an excessive focus on healthy eating, leading to rigid dietary rules and restrictions that can negatively impact physical and mental health.

While not officially recognized as a separate eating disorder, orthorexia shares similarities with conditions like anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of orthorexia and seeking help early can improve recovery outcomes.

Symptoms of Orthorexia

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you are struggling with orthorexia:

• An extreme focus on the quality and purity of foods leading to rigid dietary rules and restrictions
• Significant distress or anxiety when healthy foods are unavailable or when consuming "unhealthy" foods
• Social isolation due to strict dietary requirements or avoidance of situations involving food
• A sense of superiority or self-worth derived from adherence to a "healthy" diet
• Negative impact on physical health, such as malnutrition, weight loss, or other medical complications

Causes of Orthorexia

Orthorexia is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental influences. Some potential risk factors include a family history of eating disorders or anxiety disorders, a history of dieting, emotional stress, and exposure to societal pressure to maintain a certain body shape or size.

Treatment Options for Orthorexia

Recovery from orthorexia is possible with appropriate treatment and support. At Bristol Health, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options to address your individual needs, including:

• Nutritional counseling can help you establish a balanced relationship with food and develop flexible eating patterns.
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), can address underlying thoughts and emotions related to the disorder.
• Mental health medication, if indicated, can help manage co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Support groups can foster connection and understanding with others who share similar experiences.

If you suspect that you may be struggling with an eating disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us at Bristol Health in Utah County. 

Our compassionate and experienced team is committed to helping you overcome your eating disorder and regain control of your life. Please call (801) 903-5903 or request an appointment to begin your journey toward recovery today.