Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that affect how you relate to food, your body, and yourself. At Texas Advance Behavioral Health in Arlington, Texas, the team understands that eating disorders are often rooted in a mix of psychological, biological, and societal factors that can disrupt your physical health and emotional well-being. They provide early intervention and compassionate, holistic care. Book an appointment today by phone or online to discover healing, leading to a healthier relationship with food and self-image.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions defined by unhealthy behaviors, thoughts, and emotions related to food, eating, and body image. They affect physical health, emotional well-being, and social functioning. 

Common types include:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder

Eating disorders can impact people of any age but often begin during adolescence or young adulthood.

What causes eating disorders?

Eating disorders can develop from a combination of the following:

• Biological factors: genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, or differences in brain chemistry
• Psychological factors: low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a history of trauma
• Environmental factors: cultural pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, social media influence, or family dynamics

These factors often interact, contributing to the development of an eating disorder.

What are the signs of eating disorders?

Common indicators of eating disorders include:

• Physical signs: sudden weight changes, fatigue, dizziness, or digestive issues
• Behavioral signs: restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, or excessive exercise
• Emotional signs: intense fear of gaining weight, preoccupation with body image, or withdrawal from social activities

As a parent, you may notice these signs. In addition, friends or teachers may recognize these symptoms, too, before the individual ever acknowledges the issue.

How are eating disorders treated?

The Texas Advance Behavioral Health team takes a holistic approach to treating eating disorders. They address your physical, emotional, and social needs by focusing on comprehensive care. 

They monitor and resolve physical complications such as malnutrition or electrolyte imbalances. Psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (FBT), or group therapy, helps uncover and address underlying psychological issues. 

The team also provides nutritional counseling to help restore healthy eating habits and foster a positive relationship with food. They encourage support networks that involve family and loved ones to help provide a nurturing and understanding environment to promote recovery. 

In addition, lifestyle adjustments, such as mindfulness practices, stress management, and self-care routines can help. The team’s holistic care approach emphasizes healing the whole person, promoting sustainable recovery, and helping you regain balance in your life.

Don’t struggle with eating disorders alone. Contact the office for a consultation with the compassionate  Texas Advance Behavioral Health team for help. Reach out by phone or online today.