Eating Disorders

If you have an unhealthy relationship with food, the experts at Spectrum Behavioral Health in New Lenox and Hinsdale, Illinois, are here to help. The highly trained psychiatry team diagnoses and treats eating disorders in children, teenagers, and adults. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Spectrum Behavioral Health today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders affect how you think about and consume food or, in some cases, nonfood items. They can cause physical and mental health concerns when not addressed. You might eat too few calories or struggle with binge eating behaviors. Regardless of which disorder you suffer from, Spectrum Behavioral Health experts can improve your road to recovery.

What are examples of eating disorders?

Eating disorders include:

Bulimia nervosa

People struggling with bulimia often maintain an ideal body weight but have unhealthy eating habits. They might binge on high-calorie foods and force themselves to throw up or exercise intensely right afterward.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by eating too few calories. Many people struggling with anorexia are underweight or malnourished.

Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder is associated with binging on high-calorie foods, often leading to overweight or obesity. People with this disorder often continue to eat more food despite being over-full.

Pica

People with pica eat nonfood items like ice, pain chirps, clay, or dirt.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

People with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder eat only certain foods, minimizing the nutritional value of their diet. You'll avoid foods with specific tastes, smells, textures, odors, or colors.

Which complications do eating disorders cause?

When not addressed, eating disorders can cause physical health problems, some severe and even life-threatening. Examples include:

• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Weakened bones
• Obesity
• Dental problems
• Heart problems
• Digestive system disorders
• Low self-esteem

Other possible complications include anxiety, depression, and self-harm. With the proper treatment, you can successfully overcome an eating disorder.

What are the risk factors for eating disorders?

Eating disorder risk factors include:

• Brain chemical changes
• Family history of eating disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Traumatic experiences 
• Frequent dieting
• Stress
• Getting bullied

Children and teenagers can learn unhealthy eating habits from friends or family members. 

How are eating disorders diagnosed?

The Spectrum Behavioral Health team completes a psychiatric evaluation to determine if you have an eating disorder or another mental health condition. They assess your typical dietary intake, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, lifestyle habits, body weight, and more to develop an effective treatment plan.

How are eating disorders treated?

Treating an eating disorder can include psychotherapy and personalized diet plans rich in essential nutrients. You might take dietary supplements or medication. Spectrum Behavioral Health offers cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family-based therapy, and other treatments that help you overcome eating concerns.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth eating disorders evaluation today at Spectrum Behavioral Health by calling the office or using the online booking feature.