Eating disorders

People have different eating styles and they often change their eating habits and follow various diets. However, when eating becomes problematic and disturbs a person’s functioning, we might be looking at an eating disorder.

The types of eating disorders include, i.a. (after DSM V): anorexia nervosa (anorexia), bulimia nervosa (bulimia nervosa), binge eating disorder and eating disorders otherwise specified. The symptoms of the above disorders differ, but they also share some similarities. In cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy we assume that most eating disorders have a common, cognitive element, which is focusing too much on body weight and trying to control it. People with eating disorders base their self-esteem on these aspects. They begin to use a variety of strategies to control their body weight: dietary restrictions, exercise, purging, vomiting. Sometimes a patient may not follow any dietary restrictions but experience binge eating and eat a lot of food. Dysfunctional behaviours in eating disorders can lead to weight abnormalities and a number of health problems. Eating disorders can also disturb our functioning in the social, family and professional spheres, sometimes leading to isolation and other psychological problems, such as depression.

One of the main goals of cognitive-behavioural therapy is to change the dysfunctional cognitive schema of self-esteem. During the therapy, patients learn to regain real control over their nutrition, give up strategies that don’t work and introduce a healthy eating habit. The therapeutic process is adjusted to patients’ problems and needs. Patients can start psychotherapy in the therapist’s office if their health conditions are not life threatening.

If you think that your eating habits are becoming a problem or if you have unpleasant thoughts about your body, it is worth using the help of a psychotherapist.