Body image is the mental representation that one creates in their mind, but it may or may not relate to how others see an individual. The skewed view that someone has of their body is a culprit affecting people across the globe, where ethnicity, culture, gender, and age may all fall prey to it. According to ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders), about 30 million Americans suffer from some sort of eating disorder. Eating disorders hold a record for having the highest mortality rate when compared to other mental illnesses; someone dies of an eating disorder every 62 minutes.
Eating Disorders are partly due to lack of regulation of the Nervous system and using food to bring the body into balance. Dr. Tiffany will teach you how to embody peace, how to work with the thoughts, feelings and physical sensations that create the need for these behaviors. Dr. Tiffany approaches healing from a root cause level, addressing your experience of the eating disorder from a Neurological, Physiological and Psychological perspective. A predisposition for it runs in families and it can be triggered by trauma and adverse life circumstances. Eating disorders are diagnosed more frequently in women than men.
Types of Eating Disorders
There are copious numbers of eating disorders and, unfortunately, the statistics mentioned above don’t begin to scratch the surface. Here are the types of eating disorders that I specialize in treating:
- Anorexia Nervosa: People reduce the amount of energy intake required for their weight, age, gender, development and physical health.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Individuals consume large amounts of food, and then induce themselves to vomit to stop weight gain.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Children are not just finicky when it comes to this disorder, but they become malnourished because they restrict themselves from eating certain foods.
Treatment Methods
Like other mental disorders and illnesses, care should involve a diverse team of experts. It’s recommended that professional caretakers include the following:
- Psychotherapist
- Psychiatrist/Naturopathic Psychiatry
- Nutritionist
- Primary care physician
Due to the severe toll that eating disorders may have on an individual’s physical health, psychological therapy is not enough. It’s also important, to incorporate family therapy and support groups. Family-Based Treatment, according to NEDA, is a method used for patients who are minors. This is the method that Dr. Tiffany implements.
Doc blends Natural and Functional Medicine, FBT, IFS and Neuropsychotherapy, to efficiently help heal the eating disorder.
In severe cases, inpatient care may be necessary; the person suffering from the eating disorder will be hospitalized or placed in residential care. Doctor Tiffany will help you to determine what level of care is appropriate.
Learn more about Dr. Tiffany's unique approach, by reaching out for a clarity call with a team member and then a free consultation with Doc. Healing is possible.