Eating Disorder Treatment for Young Adults at Alpha Behavioral Health

Eating Disorder Treatment for Young Adults at Alpha Behavioral Health

Eating disorders are more common than you think. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 study estimated that 14 million people worldwide have struggled with an eating disorder. This mental health condition is typically attributed to affecting young girls, but the truth is that eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or race. It’s important to be aware of the signs of an eating disorder in young adults, as this condition can have severe consequences on an individual’s health. Untreated eating disorders can sometimes lead to death. 

That’s why Alpha Behavioral Health offers quality and comprehensive eating disorder treatment in Austin, Texas. We are committed to providing a safe and encouraging environment to heal from not just eating disorders but any co-occurring conditions as well. There is no judgment at Alpha Behavioral Health; there is just a sincere desire to help. But before we can understand what goes into treating eating disorders, we must first examine what they are and why they occur. 

What Is an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that feature consistent mental preoccupations, disturbing emotions, attitudes, and behaviors involving weight loss and food consumption. Those struggling with an eating disorder may be obsessed or fixated on their body weight or shape, weight loss, and controlling their food consumption. They may also obsessively exercise as a form of extreme weight loss. It’s important to remember that eating disorders are not a choice, and this obsession and fixation is what drives this mental health disorder. Eating disorders are also tied to warped perceptions of self. Those struggling with this disorder will often think poorly of themselves and their abilities, which may cause the condition to spiral further. 

The cause of eating disorders is currently unknown, but several factors can put someone at risk. Family history, genetics, personality traits, and environmental influences can all put someone at risk for an eating disorder. Cultural and beauty standards are considered major risk factors for this disorder, as some cultural influences push an ideal body weight and shape on both genders. People who have lived through stressful and traumatic events, especially as young children, may feel like their lives are completely out of control. Sometimes, they may turn to strictly controlling their weight and food intake because they believe that’s the only aspect of life that they can control. 

Eating disorders often co-occur with conditions such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation. 

Types of Eating Disorders

Understanding the different types of eating disorders helps in diagnosing and tailoring treatment strategies. The most common are:

  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Binge-eating disorder
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Though all eating disorders revolve around disordered eating and fixations on weight loss or body shape, there are unique types of eating disorders with their own signs and symptoms. 

Anorexia Nervosa

Considered one of the most dangerous types of eating disorders, those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa can die from medical complications associated with starvation. Suicide rates are also high for this type of eating disorder. Common signs of anorexia nervosa are:

  • Relentless fixation on thinness and refusal to maintain a healthy body weight
  • Intense fear of weight gain
  • Distorted body or self-image
  • Extremely restricted eating
  • Emaciation
  • Intense and excessive exercise
  • Denying the seriousness of their extreme weight loss or low body weight 

Binge-Eating Disorder

This disorder is marked by eating unusually large amounts of food in a short amount of time (binging). Over time, untreated binge-eating disorder can result in health complications such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Common signs of a binge-eating disorder are:

  • Hiding food consumption from others, such as eating in secret, hiding wrappers/food containers, or leaving the house to eat
  • Eating rapidly during binge episodes
  • Feeling ashamed, distressed, and or guilty about eating 
  • Eating when full or not hungry
  • Frequent dieting 
  • Eating large amounts of food in a short period or until uncomfortably full

Bulimia Nervosa

The symptoms of bulimia nervosa are nearly the same as binge eating disorder. However, this condition is marked by purging after a binge session. Those struggling with bulimia nervosa may experience tooth loss and decay, chronically inflamed and sore throat, and gastrointestinal problems due to constant purging. Common signs of bulimia nervosa are:

  • Forcing oneself to vomit after binging 
  • Taking laxatives after binging 
  • Excessive exercise 
  • Long fasting periods 

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED is a classification of eating disorders with atypical symptoms that don’t fit into or have symptoms of other eating disorders. Those with this eating disorder may have certain sets of symptoms, but not the same to be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. Some symptoms of OSFED include:

  • Thinking excessively about body weight and shape
  • Experiences mood swings around meal times 
  • Feeling shame, disgust, or guilt about themselves or when eating food 
  • Feel that their top priority is having control over their weight, diet, and food consumption 
  • Worries and fixates over fat, sugar, or calories 
  • Think they look “fat” despite extreme weight loss 
  • Avoids eating in front of others because it makes them feel anxious 

Risks and Complications of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have a severe effect on a person’s physical and mental health. Conditions like anorexia nervosa can even be fatal. Sometimes, these disorders are severe enough to require hospitalization as a means of intervention. Being aware of these risks can help you understand what medical care is needed to fully recover from an eating disorder.

Physical Risks

The physical risks of an eating disorder in young adults vary depending on the condition. Anorexia nervosa, of course, can have the most severe complications due to malnutrition and starvation. The bones can thin, muscles waste away, persistent fatigue, and heart damage can occur. Continued anorexia nervosa can also cause infertility, brain damage, and multiple organ failure. 

Binge eating disorders are often marked by gastrointestinal symptoms (such as acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea) due to the large amounts of food being consumed. This can cause weight gain and, subsequently, conditions related to obesity. However, bulimia nervosa has different physical complications despite having similar symptoms of binge-eating disorder. The constant purging through laxatives or vomiting can also cause severe gastrointestinal problems, distress, and irritation. This purging can result in severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can grind bodily functions to a halt. 

Mental and Emotional Implications

Ultimately, eating disorders are the result of viewing oneself in an extremely negative and harsh light. There is a lot of underlying pain in eating disorders and a desperate need for control. This can have a severe impact on a person’s mental and emotional state, worsening the condition in a vicious loop of self-degradation. Sometimes, those struggling with an eating disorder may turn to substance abuse to reduce their pain or develop co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety. Perhaps the most dangerous mental health disorder associated with eating disorders is suicidal ideation. 

Impact on Quality of Life

Eating disorders rob a person of experiences that have significance to both our biological and social needs. It makes it difficult for those struggling with these disorders to be in social situations that involve food or feel great shame for wanting to eat. This has caused people to withdraw from life, especially those who don’t want to be judged or have loved ones “interfere” with their “diet.” Those struggling with eating disorders do so with a drastically reduced quality of life.

There is hope, however, for those willing to accept help. 

Comprehensive Management & Treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health

At Alpha Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive and compassionate outpatient eating disorder treatment. With a focus on quality treatment and a supportive healing environment, we have what you need to recover from an eating disorder.

Personalized Assessment and Diagnosis

Every individual is that, an individual. Alpha Behavioral Health does not offer one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, each client is carefully assessed for an accurate diagnosis. This diagnosis is used to craft a personalized treatment plan, including clinical treatments, holistic modalities, and aftercare support. Throughout the treatment process, each client is assessed again to see how they are meeting their treatment goals. This allows treatment plans to adjust as the client heals or discovers new areas of themselves requiring attention. Utilizing a collaborative process allows clients to participate actively in their recovery, giving them the control they need to feel secure and safe. 

Individualized Therapy and Counseling

Evidence-backed and clinical therapies are utilized in every treatment plan. This includes common psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Individualized therapy and counseling give clients access to these therapies, allowing them privacy during the healing process. Giving young adults a safe and secure place to be open and honest is essential to continuous recovery.

Holistic and Alternative Therapies

At Alpha Behavioral Health, we believe that the body and spirit should also receive attention during the treatment process. Utilizing holistic methods such as mindfulness techniques, therapeutic recreation, and art therapy gives clients avenues of communication and self-expression. Learning how to relax and take care of yourself is important to prevent relapse after treatment is completed. For eating disorders, nutritional counseling is a must to help clients recover physically from the damage done to their bodies. This service is not to teach clients how to diet, as it would worsen symptoms. Instead, it helps clients form a new and healthier relationship with food, reducing the shame and fear they may feel over eating. 

Family and Group Therapy

Peer support is important, which is why group therapy is a common therapy used at Alpha Behavioral Health. This therapy shows clients that they are not alone in their struggles and helps them find the support and human connection needed for healing. Family therapy helps mend any lingering pains in a family unit, smoothing over misunderstandings and allowing families to view each other with new understanding. Undergoing family therapy is not just for a client to learn better communication skills. It also helps families learn how to best support their loved ones to reduce the risk of relapse and ensure continuous recovery. 

Aftercare and Continued Support

Once you enter treatment at Alpha Behavioral Health, you become part of our community. Aftercare programs such as the Alpha Launch Program help clients transition into adulthood while providing a safe place for community interaction. Clients can get continued support through individual therapy, academic and occupational advice, and essential skill training. With scheduled fun events and meet-ups, the program offers a place to return to should a client ever need help. 

Seeking Help at Alpha Behavioral Health

Eating disorders are no joke. Seeking help today can very well save you or your loved one’s life. Those seeking help can always contact Alpha Behavioral Health staff to ask questions or inquire about a consultation. Staff members will never judge or belittle you for having an eating disorder. They want you to be the healthy and successful person they know you can be. So don’t wait; get help today.

Eating disorders are a serious condition that affects countless people in the United States. To learn how you can get treatment for your eating disorder at Alpha Behavioral Health in Austin, TX, call (833) 257-4218 today.