Eating Disorders

Eating disorders present themselves in a variety of ways and have many variations. All eating disorders are psychological conditions where a person develops unhealthy eating patterns combined with distressing and negative thoughts and emotions.

Together, these conditions account for the highest mortality rate of any mental illness according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, (ANAD.org). In the USA, it is estimated that approximately 30 million people suffer with some form of eating disorder. For many it stems from a need to control a specific aspect of their lives.

At A Brighter Day Wellness, we are passionate about helping you through this journey, on a pathway to a healthier you!

Common Types of Eating Disorders

Among the most common types of eating disorders in the United States are bulimia, anorexia, binge eating and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (AFRID). Here are the symptoms for each.

Bulimia Symptoms

Intense Fear of Gaining Weight and Body Dissatisfaction: A distorted views of one’s body shape leading to binges and purges.
Binges and Purges: Eating more than normal amount of food in a short period then making yourself vomit shortly thereafter or taking laxative or diuretic medicine.
Mood Swings and Signs of Depression or Anxiety: Emotions swing wild after a binge or purge…guilt followed by shame.
Secrecy and Denial Regarding Eating Habits: Lies about meals or weight and denials about eating behaviors.
Dental Erosion and Oral Health Issues: Stomach acid from vomiting eats away at tooth enamel causing teeth to look yellow.

Anorexia Symptoms

Ritualization of the Table: food on a plate is cut into tiny, harmless pieces, or hidden in napkins. Social behaviors include getting a sudden stomach ache or claiming to have already eaten.
Perpetual Winter: Due to lack of body fat used to regulate temperature, the person is always cold. In a desperate bid to keep warm, the body may grow a fine, downy layer of hair on the arms and face.
Silent Symptoms: a very slow heart rate (bradycardia), dizzy spells and the thinning hair. The skin may become yellowish, a sign of the liver struggling with a restricted intake.
Distorted Mirror: a misperception that no matter how much weight is lost, the person looking in the mirror sees someone who is too fat.

Binge Eating Symptoms

Eating an Unusually Large Amount of Food: When someone consumes way more food than most would in a short time.
Secrecy and Isolation Surrounding Eating Patterns: People with BED often hide their habits to avoid judgment.
Absence of Compensatory Behaviors: Unlike bulimia, BED lacks steps to “undo” the binge, such as vomiting or taking laxatives.
Eating Under Stress or Triggered by Emotion: Stress, worry, boredom or negative thoughts about your body might push you to food for comfort can spark a binge.

AFRID Symptoms

Sensory Sensitivity: For many with ARFID, the world is “too much.” Their senses are dialed up high, making certain foods feel physically impossible to swallow.
Fear of the Aftermath: Some individuals develop ARFID after a traumatic event. The act of eating becomes associated with danger.
Lack of Interest: While most people feel a “hunger growl” as a signal to eat, some people with ARFID simply don’t experience the drive for food.
Social Withdrawal: ARFID can result in avoiding birthday parties, weddings, or dinner dates because the “unknown” menu causes intense anxiety.