We often see people treating eating disorders as a separate domain of disorder as they confuse it. “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” states that Eating disorder is a psychological problem that is treatable the same way as other mental illnesses.
There is also another misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle eating pattern. Interestingly, it is a mental disease and can be managed with time. Eating disorders are associated with food and body image-related thoughts that lead to certain rigid eating behavior. This behavior causes serious and sometimes fatal illness. Binge eating, bulimia Nervosa, and Anorexia Nervosa are the most common types of eating disorders.
Here the debate is either eating disorder is easier to overcome than other mental illnesses or not. There is no direct answer to it, though the recovery chances are there. The improvement depends on many aspects. First of all, the severity of the problem, concern of the patient towards a problem, treatment plan, concern towards treatment, and efforts that makes to deal with the problem.
Concern about the problem.
Before moving towards a treatment plan, it is important to know the client’s perspective. Many times people suffering from eating disorders don’t think of it as a problem. Anorexic patients are following in this behavior because they want to look skinny. It is their criteria for perfection.
Likewise, people having a habit of binge eating don’t care about their body image. To come from the management side, a patient needs to realize it first as a problem and undertake necessary measures to deal with it.
The severity of the problem.
Management of the problem is highly dependent upon the severity level of the problem. If the problem is severe and has a long history, it takes time to change that behavior. Likewise, the severity level also affects the management plan. The severe problem takes more time to heal and go back to the normal level.
If the problem has a short period and is less severe, it will be easier to with it. Our body gets used to the pattern that a person is following. A human body takes time to change a specific pattern, especially if it is followed for a long. It is easier to change the behavior that is weak and not strictly followed.
The treatment plan.
The treatment plan is the core aspect of management. Every plan has its importance. Neither when it comes to therapy is best nor the worst. The thing that matters is what suits you the best. Decide on the strategy that is maximum suitable to you, and you feel confident in following that too. Every plan is not suitable for everyone equally. It is a trend that people love to follow others. One thing that is best for others might not be suitable for you.
Efforts toward Treatment.
Your efforts towards the treatment plan matter a lot. Whatever the treatment plan is, it is effective only when you follow it with consistency. People usually don’t follow the plan with consistency. They either skip it or don’t follow it accurately. There might be a reason that people don’t like the plan. Whenever you go for a treatment plan, make sure to agree with terms that you are confident about and follow it strictly.
Nature of cause.
Yes, the nature of the cause does matter. Sometimes the cause is so strong that it takes time to deal with the problem. The possible causes of eating disorders include different aspects of life that have value and importance in our life. These aspects are including social, psychological, interpersonal, and other related factors.
Interpersonal factors.
- Family problems and personal relations.
- Difficulty in expressing emotions and feelings.
- History of being teased or bullied on weight.
- History of physical and sexual abuse.
Psychological triggers.
- Low Self-esteem.
- Lack of control in life and inadequacy.
- Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, or Anger.
Social influences.
- Perfect body demand from society and have rigid believe over it.
- Try to accomplish a narrow definition of perfect body image for men and women.
- Please, the people around them that value them based on body perfection instead of inner values and strengths.
Other Factors.
- One of the neurological causes that neurologists find in some people is a hormonal imbalance that promotes an eating disorder. Hormonal imbalance disturbs the hormones that control hunger, digestion, and appetite. Though scientists still thrive for further causes.
- Genetics has an important role in the contribution of eating disorders. Researchers have found that this order often runs in families.
Connect with professionals.
Look for professional help and follow the therapy plan that your psychologist suggests. People often use food or control their eating patterns in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem overwhelming. They use dieting, binging, and purging to cope with the painful emotions and have control in their lives.
Ultimately, these behaviors will damage their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. A psychologist helps you prescribe the best plan after considering your biological, emotional, physiological, and psychological health. They develop insight into yourself and help you determine the cause of your problem.
Keep track of your progress.
It is important to track your progress. Record your behavior with time and compare it with the early situation. It helps to find progress and keep you motivated towards your goal.
Conclusion.
After the above debate, we can conclude that there is no comparison of eating disorders with other mental illnesses. It all depends upon the individual and his motivation towards treatment. If you want to get better with your condition, you must consider seeking professional help as nothing is difficult when you think of doing it.
