Life Works – the leading specialist in Atypical Eating Disorder treatment.

Some eating disorders do not fit neatly into the common diagnostic categories of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Overeating. When someone has disturbingly irregular eating habits that do not fall into the standard categories, it is referred to as an Atypical Eating Disorder. In these situations the sufferer can have some, but not all symptoms of the major diagnostic categories, or may exhibit other symptoms that constitute abnormal eating behavior and may cause disruption in the patient’s life or health. It has been estimated that approximately three-quarters of those under treatment at eating disorder treatment centres are diagnosed with Atypical Eating Disorder.

Some of these atypical disorders will essentially display one symptom or a hybrid of symptoms from other eating disorders. Considering this it is worth being mindful of certain behaviours such as: chronic dieting or regular starving, refusing to eat entire food groups, feeling guilty after eating, obsession with exercise, bingeing or purging once a week or less, feeling guilty after eating, chewing and spitting food, substituting supplements and fad diets for real food, avoiding social occasions because of feeling fat or fears about the food that will be served, obsession with healthy eating (orthorexia), distorted body image, refusal to eat regular meals, or any obsession with food or weight.

The cause of atypical eating disorders, like other eating disorders, is thought to be a combination of environmental and biological factors. These disorders can be every bit as damaging to one’s health as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, and can increase the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, heart attacks, and even death. For this reason, it is important for those struggling with these issues to seek Atypical Eating Disorder treatment.

Do I need Atypical Eating Disorder treatment?

I think I have an Atypical Eating Disorder - how can I tell? What are the Atypical Eating Disorder symptoms?

Due to the inexact symptoms to look out for, it is best to be mindful of the symptoms for Anorexia, Bulimia, Overeating and other disorders such as Orthorexia. However, much like the those eating disorders, it is essential that Atypical Eating Disorder treatment is sought as soon as possible, allowing the deep set behaviour be broken down to allow a full long term recovery. One of the best ways to identify if you are struggling with this disorder is by keeping meal diaries, where you can detail all the food you consume from day to day. Once you have this you can start to look for eating habits that suggest an eating disorder is present. Do you go for long periods of time being severely underweight and then severely overweight? Have your eating habits undergone changes that are uncharacteristic of you? Perhaps you are no longer engaging in social activities like you used to? Are you avoiding family and friends? If any of these characteristics fit you, it’s time to consider Atypical Eating Disorder treatment.

I think I need Atypical Eating Disorder treatment, how can Life Works help me?

At Life Works we feel the only way to truly overcome an Eating Disorder is by addressing the mechanisms that are fuelling the behaviour. This holistic treatment will help you to determine what behaviour is triggering your relationship with food, whilst building tools and skills to help prevent any relapse. At Life Works we have a team of highly experienced and qualified therapists who are versed into treating Eating Disorders. This team is led by our Senior Counsellor who is an Eating disorder specialist. In addition to this there is also the possibility of extending your treatment into our secondary or extended care unit. Our extended care unit acts as a bridge back to normality, further enhancing your ability to begin having a healthy relationship with food. Eating Disorders are some of the hardest behavioural health disorders to break down, so our extended care unit is important for relapse prevention. Atypical Eating Disorders are progressive illnesses, and the longer you leave it untreated, the worse it may get.

How can I start Atypical Eating Disorder treatment at Life Works?

By looking for Atypical Eating Disorder treatment you have already made that first step. When you feel alone in your problems, remember that there are many people who are suffering from the same problems that you are. The next step is to call our Admissions Counsellor, who is highly experienced in helping those suffering from similar problems that you are experiencing. They will guide you through the next phase of receiving treatment, ensuring that Life Works is the best place for you to receive Atypical Eating Disorder treatment. It starts with a call, 0800 081 0700