Share:
Eating Disorders correctly interpret symptoms of anorexia and bulimia
Eating disorders are a common medical condition that can have dramatic health consequences. However, sufferers often have difficulty acknowledging their condition. If family members and friends notice signs of an eating disorder, they are encouraged to intervene. However, this should be done as sensitively as possible and not in a confrontational way.
When thoughts are constantly shifting around one's own weight and figure, eating habits take up a particularly large amount of space, are eaten secretly, and there is permanent dissatisfaction with one's own body, this may be an indication of an eating disorder, reports the Medical Center for Quality in medicine (ÄZQ). Even a retreat of family and friends is often noted. If signs of this occur in the circle of friends or with family members, a cautious response of the affected person to possible problems is appropriate.
Eating disorders in the form of anorexia are usually associated with a disturbed self-perception and sufferers feel underweight despite being too fat. If signs of an eating disorder are detected, sufferers should be carefully approached. (Image: RioPatuca Images / fotolia.com) Three main forms of eating disorders
In Germany, about 14 out of 1,000 women and five out of every 1,000 men suffer from an eating disorder, according to the ÄZQ. These are serious illnesses, in which the relationship to the own body and the handling of the food is disturbed. There is a distinction between the three main forms bulimia, anorexia and binge eating disorder (uncontrolled binge eating).
Anorexia is characterized by constant weighing and calorie counting due to a panic fear of gaining weight. Concerned people also exercise excessively sports or take dietary products and develop due to a drastic weight loss significant underweight. Despite the underweight, they feel too fat and "do not understand that their behavior is pathological", so the message of the ÄZQ.
The bulimia (bulimia nervosa) is characterized by binge eating, in which large portions are secretly and hastily devoured, the experts continue. After eating, the bad conscience follows and "in order to get rid of the calories, affected people are against, for example, with vomiting, fasting, diets, medications or excessive sport," explains the ÄZQ.
Binge eating disorder refers to uncontrolled binge eating in individuals with disturbed hunger and satiety, who in no way counteract. Affected persons are often overweight or obese, according to the ÄZQ. they suffer from the bingeing and disgust themselves. "
Eating disorders are often difficult to recognize
The three different forms of eating disorders can, according to the experts also merge. When conspicuous eating behavior becomes a pathological form, it is often difficult to recognize. Here the ÄZQ offers with its brochure "dissatisfied with the figure - do I have an eating disorder?" The affected persons and their relatives appropriate assistance.
Weight loss and constant walk to the toilet as warning signs
If signs of an eating disorder are noticed in the family environment or circle of friends, the concern should be sensitively addressed, advises Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann, Director of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents at the University of Aachen, in a message from the news agency "dpa ". Anorexia, for example, can be recognized by the loss of weight or constant weighing; in the case of bulimia, going to the toilet after every meal may be an indication.
Therapy with improved treatment success
If people become ill and tackle therapy, many have good chances of recovery. "More than every other eating disorder can be successfully treated," said the ÄZQ. The aim of the treatment is the acquisition and maintenance of healthy eating habits to normalize and stabilize the weight. For this it is also important to recognize existing mental stress and treat. Eating disorders can often be combated successfully with psychotherapy. Today, according to Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann, the cure rates are significantly better than they were 15 years ago.
Impending health problems
Girls and young women are most often affected by an eating disorder, but boys and men can also get sick, explain the experts of the ÄZQ. Possible consequences of malnutrition include muscle atrophy, hair loss, no menstrual bleeding or potency disorders. Repeated vomiting can damage the teeth and esophagus, and a malnourished body is less resistant to infection. Especially anorexia "can also be fatal", warns the ÄZQ. In overweight as a result of binge eating disorder may include joint pain, high blood pressure or diabetes possible consequences.
Assistance and contact persons
If there is a suspicion of an eating disorder, the ÄZQ experts recommend contacting the pediatrician or general practitioner, a special outpatient clinic or an eating disorders counseling center, or a psychotherapist directly. No transfer is required for this. A first point of contact could also form the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), which offers an anonymous telephone consultation under the number 0221 89 20 31. Here, the experts are also relatives of stakeholders to advise. (Fp)