The Truth About Eating Disorders

While conditions such as anxiety and depression are talked about more often, eating disorders are not. This can create an obstacle for those searching for help and support. At Cavan Therapy Clinic, we are hoping to change that for the better, starting with proper information on eating disorders.

The suspected cause of eating disorders

As far as everyday teens and adults, the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). AN is an eating disorder that focuses on eating as little as possible. BN, on the other hand, is about eating everything you wish to, and then intentionally vomiting it up.

The two noted causes of these eating disorders, statistically speaking, include sociocultural factors, and family-related factors. Both can be sole causes, or work in combination.

Sociocultural factors are thought to be the media and personal, cultural connections where there’s an expectation to look a certain way. This particular factor is well-documented and talked about the most often.

As equal a cause, however, would be family factors. In this case, there is pressure from either immediate family or extended family to look a certain way and act a certain way, all while receiving criticism for not doing so correctly.

The pressure from either or both of these causes can lead a person to develop an eating disorder. In controlling what and how they eat, they are able to understand their own identity and gain personal control of their lives.

Do eating disorders come with risk factors?

Both AN and BN (as well as other kinds of eating disorders) can lead to a high suicide rate, and both partial and complete eating disorders are strong contributing factors. As well, having an untreated eating disorder can lead to, or combine with, other psychiatric disorders, creating a comorbidity.

Even when an eating disorder is properly diagnosed, intervention and treatment can be a challenge without proper respect for their complexity in each personal case. Without this proper treatment and support, an eating disorder will persist for longer and it means that suicide and substance abuse, as well as premature death directly due to the eating disorder can be more likely.

Early diagnosis and intervention is key

Eating disorders are seen as a solitary path without much hope, especially since both sociocultural and family issues are the causes and lead the patient to feel as though they are suffering alone. This is why we at Cavan Therapy Clinic want to be able to work with those struggling with eating disorders.

Both our lead therapist, Breandan O Lorcain, as well as our entire team of experienced experts at Cavan Therapy Clinic are ready to help each individual understand that their mental health matters and that help is always available.