- +91 95010 32237
- kalra.priyanka@gmail.com
- 127, I - Block, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab 141002
Eating Disorder
Dr. Priyanka Kalra, a dedicated specialist in eating disorders, provides compassionate care near you
Eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that can have significant negative effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a refusal to maintain a healthy weight. People with anorexia may restrict their food intake, engage in excessive exercise, and exhibit other behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives to lose weight.
Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating, followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse. People with bulimia may also engage in other behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, to compensate for the calories consumed during a binge.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging behaviors. People with this disorder may feel a loss of control over their eating during these episodes and experience feelings of guilt, shame, and distress afterward.
Eating disorders can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including malnutrition, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without purging behaviors. People with this disorder may feel a loss of control over their eating during these episodes and experience feelings of guilt, shame, and distress afterward.
Eating disorders can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including malnutrition, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, dental issues, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Our team of psychiatrists and psychologists can provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of eating disorders. By addressing the underlying psychological and emotional issues, along with providing medication management, nutritional counseling, and support, patients can improve their chances of recovery and lead a healthier and happier life.
How can we Help?
- Diagnosis and assessment: The team can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the severity of the eating disorder and any underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to it.
- Medication management: A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to address any co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may be contributing to the eating disorder.
- Nutritional counseling: A psychologist or registered dietitian can provide nutritional counseling to help the individual develop healthy eating habits, understand the importance of balanced nutrition, and learn how to manage food-related triggers and cravings.
- Psychotherapy: Both a psychiatrist and psychologist can provide psychotherapy to help the individual address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that may be contributing to the eating disorder. Psychotherapy can also help the individual develop coping strategies, improve their self-esteem, and learn healthy ways to manage stress and emotions.
FAQ's
What are the risk factors for developing an eating disorder?
There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder, including genetics, a history of dieting or weight cycling, body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma or abuse, cultural or societal pressure for a certain body ideal, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What are the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder?
Signs and symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the type of eating disorder, but common signs may include excessive concern about body weight or shape, restrictive eating or avoiding certain types of food, binge eating or purging behaviors, excessive exercise, changes in weight or body size, social withdrawal, mood swings, disturbed sleep patterns, and preoccupation with food, body image, or appearance.
How can I tell if I or someone I know has an eating disorder?
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, it’s important to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis. Some common signs that may indicate an eating disorder include significant changes in eating patterns, extreme concern about body weight or shape, avoidance of social situations that involve food, secrecy around eating habits, frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, and persistent dissatisfaction with body image.
How can eating disorders be treated?
Treatment for eating disorders often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including therapy, medical monitoring, and nutrition counseling. Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and/or medication, depending on the type and severity of the eating disorder. The goals of treatment typically include normalizing eating behaviors, addressing underlying psychological and emotional issues, improving self-esteem and body image, and developing healthy coping skills.
