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Eating Disorder Clinic



An eating disorder clinic can provide a life saving service for adults and young people who struggle with any of a number of devastating maladies. Today's society is so focused on outer appearance, particularly when it comes to body weight. For many young people, the need to be thin as young bodies grow and change can be very great. Tragically, many youth have difficulty coping with these changes and the pressures that come with them. Diseases such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive eating can wreak havoc on the health and well being of many. Attentive parenting and nurturing of teens can be helpful here, but even the best parents may be faced with these issues as children grow into adulthood. When this is the case, an eating disorder clinic may be the place to turn. Of course, young people are not the only ones who struggle with such issues. Many adults have spent a lifetime in failed attempts to maintain a healthy relationship with food. The need for professional help for these individuals is great as well.



The skilled professionals at an eating disorder clinic can provide a lifeline for victims of these disorders as well as for families. For most sufferers, these disorders will frequently spring from a poor self image and an extremely negative and critical view of themselves. Among young people, girls are more likely than boys to struggle with an eating disorder, but it is not unheard of for a male to fall victim. A fear of gaining weight and a very distorted body image are some of the hallmarks of these diseases. An individual may be thin to the point of alarm, but see themselves as quite overweight. As a means of controlling weight, many victims of these maladies will resort to extreme measures. Fasting, stringent dieting or overzealous exercise regimes could be used by some, to the severe detriment of their own health. Others may turn to large quantities of food for comfort. They will follow this binging behavior with attempts at purging the food. This may be accomplished through self induced vomiting or the abuse of laxatives. The exact cause of these disorders remains unclear. Psychological issues are obviously a factor and may be part of a collage of contributing problems. Family expectations along with genetics and social pressures are likely to have played a role, although each situation and patient will be different. The help of a professional eating disorder clinic can help victims of these disorders to heal and find answers.



One of the most important challenges that may be faced by an eating disorder clinic is that of helping a patient to understand the underlying reasons for the problem. But in these cases, weight issues are a lot more complicated than simple unwise dietary habits. There are a number of motivations that can have an impact upon the patient's relationship with food. Problems could be psychological or biological. Social pressures can have a strong influence as well. Family dynamics will almost always come in to play. But seeking answers regarding the underlying causes of an eating disorder is generally a first major step on the road to recovery. An eating disorder clinic will utilize the knowledge and skills of a number of medical professionals including physicians, counselors, dietitians, and psychologists. The Bible encourages believers to not hesitate to come before the throne of God seeking mercy. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)



Unfortunately, these disorders are starting to show up in younger and younger children. Children as young as six have been reported to have exhibited tendencies. Without intervention, these children may one day require the help of an eating disorder clinic. A preoccupation with being fat may be exhibited by many children as well. The disorders themselves will frequently not begin until early puberty somewhere between the ages of eleven and thirteen. For some sufferers, gaining control of personal weight is somehow confused with gaining control over the world around them. In some cases, a serious trauma such as sexual assault or abuse could serve as a trigger. A number of warning signs may indicate that a friend or loved one is falling victim to one of these disorders. These signs could include a sudden weight loss, an obsession with diet and weight loss, tooth decay, anemia, a loss of periods, hair loss, stomach pain, swollen joints, breakage of fingernails, lightheartedness or an inability to concentrate. If this individual suddenly withdraws from social activities or weighs themselves frequently, these could be additional warning signs.



The treatments that might be implemented by an eating disorder clinic will usually involve behavior modification and education on the importance of healthy eating habits. Of course, additional therapy to help the patient come to terms with the reasons behind the disorder will be necessary. If the disease is particularly advanced, it may be necessary to hospitalize the patient so that the body can gain physical strength and recover from the ravages of the disease. Battling these disorders can be challenging, but, generally speaking, the earlier the disease is detected and treatment can begin, the better. Parents who maintain a healthy body image themselves can help their children be less likely to develop these disorders. Unconditional support from family and friends can make a big difference in a victim's recovery.

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