What is Eating Disorder in Young Adults and How to Overcome It with the Help of Child Psychologists in Portland, Oregon

What is Eating Disorder in Young Adults and How to Overcome It with the Help of Child Psychologists in Portland, Oregon

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Nonetheless, young adults are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders, which can have significant physical and emotional consequences.

There are several types of eating disorders, but below are the three common types:

• Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, which can lead to severe calorie restriction, excessive exercise, and other harmful behaviors.
• Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.
• Binge-eating disorder involves episodes of excessive food consumption without purging behaviors.

Besides the above three types, there are also “Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders” (OSFED). As you read on, you may conclude that someone needs remediation for an eating disorder. A child psychologist from Kind Therapy Group can help.

Some common risk factors for developing eating disorders include the following:

• Genetics.
• Psychological factors, such as anxiety or low self-esteem.
• Environmental factors, such as cultural pressure to conform to certain beauty standards.
• A history of trauma or abuse.

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible, but it can take time and effort. This is why it’s important to have a supportive network of friends, family, and healthcare professionals to help along the way.

Eating Disorder issues in young American adults

Eating disorders are a significant challenge in America, especially among young adults. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, at least 30 million people of all ages and genders in the US suffer from an eating disorder. Furthermore, the highest prevalence occurs amongst adolescents and young adults.

Below are some challenges faced by young adults with eating disorders in America:

1. Stigma coupled with misconceptions: Eating disorders are often misunderstood as a lifestyle choice, a result of vanity, or a lack of willpower. This creates a stigma that can prevent individuals from seeking treatment and support, like that offered by an accredited therapist.
2. Lack of timely treatment: Many people with eating disorders do not have access to specialized care due to high costs or lack of insurance coverage. Even those with insurance may struggle to find providers who specialize in eating disorders.
3. Co-occurring with other mental issues: Eating disorders often occur alongside other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. Treating these co-occurring issues can be challenging and require a comprehensive approach to care. In such cases, differential diagnosis is a must and should be done after careful evaluation.
4. Social media influence: The rise of social media has led to increased pressure to attain the ideal body image, which can trigger and exacerbate eating disorders in vulnerable individuals. Most, if not all, youth are on social media platforms of some kind or another, and it is difficult to be without these avenues of negative exposure at times.
5. Cultural and Societal Fitment issues: Cultural ideals of thinness, societal pressures, and the normalization of dieting and weight loss all contribute to the development/persistence of eating disorders in young adults.

Reasons for Eating Disorders in young adults

Therapist specialties are crucial so that the right therapy is given to the right disorder and the therapists know the causes for it.  There is no single specific cause of eating disorders in young adults, but rather a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that can contribute to their development.

Below are some potential factors that may contribute to the development of eating disorders in young adults:

1. Genes: There is evidence to suggest that there may be a genetic component to eating disorders. Individuals with a family history of eating disorders may be more susceptible to developing one themselves.
2. Societal influences: Societal pressures to conform to unrealistic body ideals and standards of beauty can contribute to the development of eating disorders, particularly among young adults.
3. Self-esteem and psychological factors: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and perfectionism are all psychological factors that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. The problem with eating disorders is that there is a relation to the way we see ourselves and what we consume.
4. Past trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as physical or sexual abuse, can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Food is known to be a source of comfort in times of trauma as well as grief.
5. Obsessive body type influences: Engaging in extreme dieting or other weight control behaviors, such as excessive exercise or purging, can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. This usually stems from trying to force-fit your body into being someone whose body you idolize.

It’s important to note that eating disorders are complex and individualized, the causes or risk factors of which vary from person to person. Intervention from a therapist is very crucial. It’s important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder.

The impact of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical and emotional health. Some common physical health consequences of eating disorders include the following:

• Undernutrition: Restrictive eating patterns and purging behaviors can lead to malnutrition. This can result in various health problems, such as weakened bones, organ damage, and heart problems.

• Gastric-related problems: Purging behaviors can lead to digestive issues, such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and constipation. In turn, this complicates issues and can be a real health hazard.

• Dental issues: Frequent vomiting can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities. Damage to your dental and oral hygiene comes at a cost, both in terms of cost and your body.
• Hormonal imbalances: Eating disorders can affect hormonal levels, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, fertility problems, and other hormonal imbalances. Some of these issues, once they take hold, may become damaging to your health on a long-term basis.

The emotional consequences of eating disorders can also be severe and can include the following:

• Anxiety and depression: Eating disorders often co-occur with anxiety and depression, which can heighten symptoms. This makes it challenging to seek help.

• A feeling of social isolation: Individuals with eating disorders may isolate themselves from friends and family, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and further exacerbate symptoms.

• Negative body image: Eating disorders are often driven by a distorted body image, which can lead to a negative self-image and low self-esteem. This can often lead to isolating oneself from others as well.

• Obsessive thoughts: Eating disorders can be all-consuming, with individuals often obsessing over food, weight, and body shape.

Early intervention can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term physical and emotional consequences.

Prevention is better than the cure

There are several ways that young adults can prevent or reduce the risk of developing an eating disorder. Some strategies are mentioned below:

• Encouraging body positivity: Encouraging positive body image and self-esteem can help young adults feel more confident in their bodies and reduce the risk of developing negative body image and disordered eating behaviors.

• Preventing unhealthy relationships with food: Promoting a balanced/varied diet, emphasizing the importance of all food groups, and avoiding labeling foods as “good” or “bad” help young adults develop a healthy relationship with food.

• Avoiding sedentary lifestyles: Engaging in physical activity can promote overall health and well-being. It’s essential to emphasize that exercise should be for fun and fitness. Here, exercising should not be motivated by how many calories you can burn. If you keep count, this will lead to more stress.

• Advocating free and positive discussions: Encouraging young adults to communicate openly about their feelings, concerns, and struggles can help them feel supported and reduce the risk of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms.

• Avoiding negative conversations: Avoiding conversations that focus solely on weight, size, or appearance can help reduce the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and reduce the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors.

Treatment for eating disorders often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling. With early intervention and appropriate treatment, recovery from an eating disorder is possible.

How can intervention by psychologists assist you?

A psychologist can play a crucial role in helping young adults with eating disorders by providing therapy and support to help them overcome their challenges.

You can request scheduling assistance and learn how the process of therapy works. Below are some ways a psychologist/therapist can assist young adults with eating disorders:

• Professional assessment: A psychologist can conduct an assessment to determine the severity of the eating disorder, including the type of disorder, behaviors, and associated symptoms. This can help to develop a personalized treatment plan for the young adult.

• Personalized attention and therapy: A psychologist can provide one-on-one therapy sessions to help the young adult understand and address the root causes of their eating disorder. This can include addressing negative self-image, exploring the underlying emotional issues, and developing coping strategies to manage triggers and stressors.

• Family therapy: Family therapy can help young adult and their family members understand the disorder better and work together to provide support and create a positive environment for recovery.

• Teaming with dietitians: A psychologist can collaborate with a registered dietitian to provide nutrition education and counseling. In this way, the young adult gets the required support in developing healthy eating habits and balanced meal plans.

• Connecting with other groups: A psychologist can facilitate support groups to connect young adults with others who have similar experiences and provide a safe space to share their feelings and experiences.

A psychologist can help young adults with eating disorders by providing support, guidance, and evidence-based treatments to help them recover and achieve long-term wellness.

How can Child Psychologists offer help? 

Child psychologists can assist in the treatment of eating disorders by providing evidence-based psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-based treatment (FBT). These therapies can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the child or adolescent and may involve different components, such as the following:

Assessment and diagnosis: The psychologist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the nature and severity of the eating disorder. An evaluation for co-occurring mental health conditions that may require treatment is also conducted.

Psychoeducation: The psychologist will provide education about the eating disorder, including causes, symptoms, and potential complications. The role of nutrition and physical activity in recovery will be emphasized as well.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a therapy technique that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to the eating disorder. CBT may involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and behavioral experiments.

Family-based treatment (FBT): FBT is a therapy that involves the entire family in the treatment process. Here, overall support becomes crucial in the treatment process. The therapist will work with the family to help them understand the eating disorder and develop strategies to support the child or adolescent in recovery.

Collaborative care: The psychologist may work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as medical doctors and nutritionists, to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to treatment.

It’s important to note that every child and adolescent with an eating disorder is unique, and the treatment approach should be tailored to meet their individual needs. A child psychologist can work with the child and their family to develop an individualized treatment plan that is most likely to be effective in promoting lasting recovery.

How to avoid relapse of Eating Disorder

The maintenance of sound mental health is as important as the treatment of it. Preventing a relapse of an eating disorder in young adults can be challenging, but there are several strategies therapists use that can help. Here are some suggestions:

Seek ongoing treatment: It is crucial to continue seeking professional help even after recovery from an eating disorder. Regular therapy, support groups, and check-ins with a nutritionist or physician can help to prevent relapse.

Identify triggers: It’s important to recognize what triggers an eating disorder and to develop strategies to manage these triggers. Examples of triggers include stressful situations, negative self-talk, and certain foods or environments. Once identified, triggers can be avoided or managed more effectively.

Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and self-compassion. This can include exercise, mindfulness practices, creative pursuits, and spending time with loved ones.

Build a support system: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who understand the challenges of an eating disorder. Consider joining a support group or connecting with others who have also experienced an eating disorder.

Set realistic goals: Avoid setting unrealistic goals or expectations around food, exercise, or weight. Instead, focus on building healthy habits that prioritize mental and physical health.

Remember that recovery from an eating disorder is a journey, and relapse is common. If you do experience a setback, seek support and recommit to your recovery plan.

Consequences of neglecting Eating Disorder

A credentialed therapist will tell you that neglecting an eating disorder can lead to various physical and psychological complications. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder involve severe disturbances in eating habits, weight control behaviors, and body image.

The physical complications associated with eating disorders can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder but can include the following:

• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
• Electrolyte imbalances, which can cause heart arrhythmias and other cardiac problems.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, bloating, and gastric rupture.
• Menstrual irregularities and infertility.
• Osteoporosis and other bone density problems.
• Dental problems such as erosion of tooth enamel and gum disease.
• Weakened immune system.

The psychological complications of eating disorders can also be severe and can include the following:

• Depression and anxiety.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Social isolation and withdrawal.
• Relationship difficulties.
• Cognitive impairment and memory problems.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Eating disorders are treatable, and early intervention can improve outcomes and prevent complications.

Conclusion

Young adults may be particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders due to a variety of factors. These include societal pressures to maintain a certain body type, stress related to academic or career goals, and transitions into adulthood.

Early recognition and treatment of eating disorders in young adults is important to prevent long-term physical and mental health complications. Treatment may include therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling. Family and peer support can also be helpful in the recovery process.

It is important to promote body positivity/self-acceptance and educate young adults about healthy eating habits and the dangers of disordered eating behaviors. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking professional help is strongly encouraged.