Eating disorders are often associated with adolescence, but what happens when these complex conditions persist into adulthood? Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder don’t simply disappear with age. In fact, for many, these disorders can become chronic and deeply ingrained, leading to significant physical and mental health challenges. Understanding how eating disorders manifest and continue into adulthood is crucial for those affected and for their loved ones who want to offer support. In this blog, we’ll explore the ongoing impact of eating disorders in adults and answer key questions to help shed light on this critical issue.
How do eating disorders in adults differ from those in adolescents?
Eating disorders in adults often present with more entrenched behaviors and longer histories of disordered eating. The patterns of restriction, bingeing, or purging can become more rigid over time, making treatment more challenging. Additionally, adults with eating disorders may face more severe physical health consequences, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal problems, due to the prolonged nature of the disorder. Adults are also more likely to experience co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, which can complicate recovery.
What are the long-term health risks associated with eating disorders in adulthood?
The long-term health risks of eating disorders in adulthood can be severe and include both physical and psychological consequences. Physically, individuals may suffer from cardiovascular issues, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders, and bone density loss. Psychologically, adults with eating disorders are at increased risk for chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. The prolonged nature of the disorder can also lead to cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
Why might eating disorders persist into adulthood?
Several factors contribute to the persistence of eating disorders into adulthood. These may include unresolved underlying psychological issues, such as trauma, low self-esteem, or a history of abuse. Societal pressures, particularly around body image and diet culture, can also reinforce disordered eating behaviors. For some, the eating disorder becomes a coping mechanism that is difficult to abandon, especially if it has provided a sense of control or identity over many years.
How can adults with long-standing eating disorders seek help?
Adults with eating disorders should seek help from healthcare professionals who specialize in eating disorders. Treatment options often include a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring to address the physical consequences of the disorder. It’s important for individuals to seek comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. Support groups and peer support can also be valuable in providing encouragement and reducing the sense of isolation.
There are numerous psychotherapists in Toronto, including psychotherapists at Therapedia Centre, who are trained in helping adults with an Eating Disorder. Sheena’s Place is a reputable psychotherapy centre in Toronto that offers support for individuals with eating disorders.
What role do loved ones play in supporting an adult with an eating disorder?
Loved ones play a crucial role in supporting an adult with an eating disorder by offering empathy, understanding, and encouragement. It’s important to approach the individual with compassion and avoid judgment or criticism. Educating oneself about the disorder and being patient with the recovery process is essential. Loved ones should also encourage the individual to seek professional help and support them in adhering to treatment plans. Additionally, being aware of the signs of relapse and knowing when to seek further intervention is vital in providing ongoing support.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers multiple types of support for loved ones so they can help their family and friends in return.
How can psychotherapy treat an Eating Disorder?
Adults with eating disorders can consider a variety of treatment options beyond traditional psychotherapy and nutritional counseling. Our psychotherapists in Toronto offer the following therapeutic approaches to help treating an Eating Disorder in adults:
-Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which remains the gold standard
-Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance
-Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to behavioral changes aligned with their values.
-Family-based therapy (FBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) offer more targeted approaches depending on the individual’s specific needs and the nature of their eating disorder.
How can art therapy treat an Eating Disorder?
Art therapy has shown potential as an effective treatment for adult eating disorders (EDs) by addressing the psychological dimensions of these disorders in ways that traditional verbal therapies might not. Here are a few ways that art therapy can help treating an Eating Disorder in adults:
- Targeting Emotional Expression: Art therapy can help individuals with eating disorders express emotions that are often difficult to verbalize. Eating disorders are frequently associated with emotional suppression, and art therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for these suppressed feelings, which can reduce the emotional burden that contributes to disordered eating behaviors.
- Improving Therapeutic Alliance: Engaging in art therapy can enhance the therapeutic alliance between the patient and therapist. This stronger bond can lead to better engagement in the treatment process, which is crucial for individuals struggling with eating disorders, as they often have ambivalent feelings towards recovery.
- Reducing Anxiety and Body Dissatisfaction: Specific forms of art therapy, such as music therapy and dance-movement therapy, have shown promise in reducing symptoms directly related to eating disorders. For instance, music therapy has been found to decrease post-prandial (after eating) anxiety, and dance-movement therapy can improve body image and reduce body dissatisfaction—both significant factors in eating disorder pathology.
- Addressing Trauma: Many individuals with eating disorders have a history of trauma, particularly emotional trauma, which can exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder. Our art therapists in Toronto provide a safe space to explore and process these traumatic experiences, which can lead to a reduction in eating disorder symptoms.
- Facilitating Self-Reflection and Insight: The creative process in art therapy allows individuals to gain insights into their behaviors and emotions, fostering self-reflection that can lead to positive changes in their relationship with food and their bodies.
To book an appointment with a psychotherapist in Toronto, call us at 416-877-0137 or email us at Admin@therapediacentre.com