More Information on Eating Disorders

The term ‘Eating Disorder’ is normally used to describe a specific set of signs and symptoms, some of which relate to a difficult and distressing relationship with food.
This relationship may lead to rigid rules about food; to binge eating, self-starving or overeating to the point of obesity. There are many other ways in which the distress might manifest.
The external symptoms and behaviours are driven and maintained by deep feelings of shame, guilt and fear.
In some ways, these behaviours can be seen as a way of managing and containing deep emotional pain and distress.
Eating disorders are not the result of a weak will or some sort of behavioural failing. They are real illnesses in which maladaptive eating patterns become autonomous, taking on a life of their own.
The main types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A third type, known as binge eating disorder, has been suggested but has not yet been officially recognised.
Eating disorders typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood, but onset can occur in childhood or later adulthood.
Often there are other emotional difficulties co-existing with an eating disorder. Some common concurrent problems are substance abuse, depression and anxiety disorders.
There may also be serious physical health implications such as heart conditions and kidney failure. In extreme cases, physical complications may lead to death.
It is extremely important that eating disorders be recognised as real and treatable diseases.
An individual suffering with an eating disorder will most likely have an unhealthy relationship with their body.
This may manifest as a distorted body image, preoccupation with and overvaluing the importance of physical appearance, and being confused about internal signals such as hunger, satiety etc.
The severity of these symptoms may seriously interfere with normal aspects of living such as employment, education, relationships and so forth.
A preoccupation with body weight and weight regulation may be another characteristic of an eating disorder. The sufferer may engage in harmful behaviours such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives and diuretics, excessive exercise, or misuse of diet pills.

The Life Works Eating Disorder Programme recognises the seriousness of these diseases. It also emphasises the unique needs and circumstances of each individual. All too often, when a serious condition is recognised in a person, the illness becomes the focus of attention and the emotional suffering may be quite unintentionally overlooked.

Our programme offers individual, holistic treatment for eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating. All aspects of the problem - medical, physical, emotional and spiritual - are addressed with care and understanding. At Life Works, skilled and experienced therapists use a wide range of research-based techniques to facilitate the necessary changes. Our goal is to open the door on freedom, self-acceptance and a new way of life.

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Eating Disorders

More Information on Eating Disorders