Eating Disorder Therapy in Chicago at CRC Institute

What Does it Mean to Have an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a complex behavioral and/or mental health condition in which you battle with an unhealthy view of food. However, this condition is not simply about food: Eating disorders are complex psychological conditions, which are very often misunderstood. Eating behaviors become associated with distressing thoughts and can impact you physically, psychologically and socially. Oftentimes, people who suffer from disordered eating have some past trauma or need to control their body with food. The behaviors of this condition appear very similar to those of addiction. Further, eating disorders are commonly seen with other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, OCD, and alcohol and drug addiction.

While different types of eating disorders involve varying characteristics, they are all serious conditions that can impact your life. The three most common types of eating disorders are:

• Anorexia Nervosa (characterized by restriction of food)
• Bulimia Nervosa (characterized by episodes of overeating followed by purging)
• Binge Eating (characterized by overeating followed by shame)

While eating disorders are more common in adolescents, young adults, and females, they actually can occur at any time and can affect any gender. Without proper treatment, an eating disorder can become life-threatening.

What are Symptoms of Disordered Eating?

While symptoms vary amongst the different types of eating disorders, some of the most common ones include:

• Abnormally low body weight
• Excessive exercise
• Purging after eating
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Eating in secret
• Preoccupation with weight and body shape
• Loss of some teeth enamel (from vomiting)
• Eating quickly and consuming more food than necessary
• Feeling guilty after eating
• Leaving meals to use the bathroom
• No interest in eating

Is Therapy an Effective Treatment for Eating Disorders?

Therapy can be very effective in treating your eating disorder as it addresses behavioral, nutritional, medical, and psychological implications. Many people try to treat their disordered eating on their own or they do not believe that they have a problem in the first place. Yet this condition often requires the help of trained disordered eating specialists as it can be complicated and dangerous to manage on one’s own. Eating disorder treatment may include psychological intervention and treatment for concurrent ailments.

Our expert staff of therapists at Chicago Rehab Center are trained to treat disordered eating and help you on your road to recovery. It is critical that you get the help you need as disordered eating can lead to life-threatening health problems, increased depression and anxiety, and substance use disorders. Our trained therapists in Chicago are going to meet you where you are at and create a program that is customized specifically for your needs and goals.

What Types of Therapy are Available at a Disordered Eating Recovery Center?

Our therapists specializing in eating disorder therapy at Chicago Rehab Center will help you to identify your patterns and beliefs, create new healthier ones, and make lasting changes. There are many different types of therapy options available at our treatment center, and the right one for you depends on the severity of your disorder and your overall needs. Options include:

• Partial Hospitalization
• Intensive Outpatient
• Family Therapy
• Individual Therapy

What are the Causes of Eating Disorders?

Similar to other complex mental health conditions, the causes of disordered eating are not fully understood. It appears that genetics and biology play a part and that certain people are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder. Also, psychological and emotional issues such as impulsive behavior and low self-esteem often contribute to the disorder, as well.

Why Choose Eating Disorder Therapy at CRC in Chicago

At CRC, we meet you where you are at. We take a holistic approach to healing and always consider what treatment is best for you. Once our expert team determines the frequency and type of therapy that would be best for you, you can begin meeting with one of our trusted clinicians. Together, you will build rapport and trust so that you can feel safe to share and heal. You can be completely honest without ever feeling like you are being judged.

Our team of top eating disorder therapists in Chicago help you to address topics that have possibly been buried for years and may be affecting all areas of your life. This is where true and lasting change can occur.