Eating disorders like all mental and physical illnesses can affect anyone at any time. Anorexia especially, is a dangerous condition. When a person is anorexic, they deny their body the nutrients it needs to function properly. Due to the lack of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, organs shut down, and the body as a whole becomes more susceptible to other diseases. Thus it’s crucial to get the proper help in an anorexia treatment program. At Integrative Life Center, we offer patients a comprehensive eating disorder treatment program that can aid individuals struggling.
Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia
Anorexia is a mental health disorder. Individuals suffering from this feel compelled to deny themselves food because they fear weight gain. Thus, the clearest sign of anorexia is a dramatic weight loss. However, there are other signs and symptoms. The individual sometimes wear multiple layers of clothes to hide their weight loss. Often, even if they are not, they frequently comment or negatively talk about their weight. Also, they may mask their eating disorder by cooking for others without actually eating anything themselves. Some other common signs and symptoms of anorexia include:
- Refusing to eat
- Pretending to eat by shifting food around on the plate
- Lying about having eaten
- Obsession with physical appearance
- Obsessively counting calories
- Hiding food away to make others believe they’ve eaten
- Abuse of over-the-counter weight loss product
- Needless use of diuretics or laxatives
- Obsessive exercising
When left untreated, an anorexic will develop brittle nails and dry skin. Dental problems may arise as well as sleep issues, cramping, and anemia. When someone is displaying these signs and symptoms, they need a medical examination. The sooner someone struggling with an eating disorder enters an anorexia treatment program, the sooner they can reverse the damage being done to their body.
How an Anorexia Treatment Program Can Help
There are numerous reasons why someone may develop anorexia. Sometimes individuals believe they need to exert control, and their diet is the best way to do so. Others develop a negative body image due to abuse, trauma, societal pressure, or fear of being excluded. At an anorexia treatment program at Integrative Life Center, patients will explore their issues. They will find what is the underlying cause of their mental health issues and work through them to heal not just their body but their mind.
Because there are many reasons anorexia may arise, treatment for it requires a customized approach. This means providing patients with as many options as possible to make sure their needs are met. Fortunately, Integrative Life Center offers a large number of therapeutic options.
It takes time to dismantle negative self-image and damaging practices. Patience is key. But so is providing individuals with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Entering an anorexia treatment program is the best way to overcome this disorder and become healthy again.
Healing at Integrative Life Center
Anorexia is a dangerous disorder. Fortunately, our compassionate and experienced experts can help patients heal their body and mind. Integrative Life Center’s anorexia treatment program as part of its eating disorders treatment is indispensable in helping patients regain their health. Our comprehensive care and support radiate throughout our numerous therapies. For instance, some of the evidence-based treatments we offer include:
- Experiential Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Psychodrama Therapy
Our combinations of alternative and traditional therapy and treatment provides patients with the widest range of choices and the greatest likelihood of success. So give us a call today to explore all our options to find what will work best for you or your loved one.
