Eating disorders are a serious mental health concern that can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Dr. Patel provides assessment and treatment options for these disorders at our office in New York City.
Understanding Eating Disorders And How We Can Help
Each individual’s experience with an eating disorder varies. According to the DSM-V, there are three major classifications of eating disorders:
- Binge Eating Disorder: People who eat more quickly than normal until they are uncomfortably full, eat alone out of shame, and eat in this manner at least once a week for more than three months is considered a binge eating disorder. This disorder is also characterized with feelings of shame, distress, and guilt afterwards.
- Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is a condition associated with restricted food intake, fears of gaining weight, and distorted body image. The person has a “significantly low weight” that impacts their physical and mental health.
- Bulimia Nervosa: This eating disorder is characterized by purging (self-inducing vomiting or using laxatives) or non-purging (fasting or excessive exercise) behaviors. The frequency of these behaviors will vary and can affect day-to-day life and functioning
The specifics of your experience will determine the proper method of treatment to help you manage the eating disorder. Medical monitoring, nutritional education, psychotherapy, and certain medications may be used in your journey to wellness.
- Psychological therapy: Psychological therapy is considered one of the essential components in treating eating disorders. Dr. Alkesh Patel works with patients to help them restore balance and develop the skills needed to manage their disorder.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a specific type of therapy used for addressing eating disorders. This therapy approach focuses on the negative cognitive thoughts, uncomfortable feelings, and compulsive behaviors surrounding the eating disorder. By helping you understand these stressors, CBT makes it possible to take control of your eating behaviors while recognizing and changing distorted thoughts that drive the disorder.
Medication can also be used as part of treating the eating disorder.
Antidepressants have been shown to help certain cases. They prove most effective when purging or binge-eating are presenting symptoms. However, other medications may also be prescribed based on your specific medical and psychiatric history.
You’re The Most Valuable Asset In Treating Your Disorder
There’s one important thing to remember on your journey to managing your eating disorder. You’re the most valuable member of the team involved in your treatment. Active involvement is necessary for you to have the greatest chance of success. The involvement of friends, family, and other loved ones are important assets as well.
It all begins with a call to Dr. Patel’s office to schedule an initial evaluation. Together you’ll discuss the eating disorder and develop an individualized treatment plan to manage it.
There is hope for everyone!
