Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses that affect an estimated 20 million women and 10 million men in America. As with other mental illnesses, eating disorders are not a choice. There are many contributing factors such as genetics, social pressures, negative body image, low self-esteem, and other contributing factors such as stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, sexual abuse, substance use, stressful life changes, or weight-oriented careers such as gymnastics, running, or modeling. A key to helping those in need to take the first step to recovery is to educate yourself.
While there are many types of eating disorders, these three are the most common – anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
All the individuals with eating disorders share a vulnerability within the dimensions of maintaining an integrated and coherent identity with sustained self-worth and the capacity to express and pursue one’s needs in relationships and life.
The answer is yes, eating disorders are treatable and recovery is possible with the right treatment plan. At Yellowbrick, we provide an integrated model with all levels of care from residential through PHP, IOP, Outpatient and Home health. The Eating Disorder Service is for emerging adults suffering from anorexia, bulimia, non-specific ED and some cases of binge eating disorders. While Yellowbrick is not a primary weight loss or obesity treatment center, we are skilled at managing weight loss and/or obesity as it presents with other psychiatric conditions. As the Eating Disorder Service is embedded in an intensive psychiatric treatment center, co-morbid psychiatric disorders and substance abuse in addition to the eating disorder can be addressed and treated within Yellowbrick.
There are four levels to the Eating Disorder Treatment Service:
Patients seeking eating disorder treatment are seen in consultation by a team of senior clinicians. Additionally, we conduct collateral family evaluations when needed. Evaluations include a nutritional assessment and a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Previous medical records and testing are also reviewed. Patients participate in on-line and written research metrics facilitating the evaluation initially and to measure outcome. Attention is paid to frequent co-occurring issues such as trauma and substance use.
An initial evaluation includes a physical exam, complete blood count and chemistries/electrolytes, thyroid profile, hormone levels, lipid profile, urine analysis, toxicology screen, and bone density scan.Patients are encouraged tojournal their nutrition, activity, and emotions, which assists in the internalization of mindful connectedness and centering. Weight restoration is defined as 95% of individually determined maintenance weight and is achieved by collaboratively creating a stable structure for eating. Patients will work with their treatment team to determine goals and minimum weight thresholds.
Persistence of behaviors such as restricting nutrition, food avoidance, feeding others, bingeing, vomiting, compulsive exercise, use of laxatives, diuretics and stimulants, social isolation, and deception all contribute to a sustained eating disorder. We collaborate with patients to develop treatment plans which include taking supported risks behaviorally and emotionally.
Individual, family, and group therapies provide a safe, secure, and affirming environment for personal reflection, exploration, struggle, and growth. Identifying core struggles in therapy enables patients to live through and beyond their struggles, bringing the deepest assurance of recovery, relapse prevention, and the fulfillment of authentic personal ambitions and desires.
We are committed to providing each patient life-enhancing outcomes as they begin their recovery journey. For more information about our Eating Disorder Treatment Service and other mental health services at Yellowbrick, contact us today.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.