The Answer to “Is Eating Disorders a Mental Illness?”
Get answers to questions like “is eating disorders a mental illness?” and “where to get eating disorder treatment?” here.
Table of Contents
Is Eating Disorders a Mental Illness: Overview
Mental illnesses are conditions that are often associated with disorders such as anxiety and depression. We often feel uneasy hearing the term “mental illness” because of a lack of proper understanding.
Mental illness occurs when there is an alteration in the typical functioning of the brain. Health researchers say it can appear due to social, physical, and environmental factors. Mental illnesses can also be a result of trauma. One example of a mental illness is an eating disorder. People often ask, “is eating disorders a mental illness?”
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Considering the Answer in Pursuit of Healing
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Detecting and recognizing the symptoms of eating disorders at an early stage helps to increase the chance of recovery. However, the individuals experiencing this disorder may not experience all the symptoms at once. The warning signs and symptoms also vary depending on the type of eating disorder. Common eating disorders and their symptoms are detailed below.1
Bulimia Nervosa
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
A person with bulimia nervosa feels like they cannot stop eating and control how much they eat. However, these individuals often purge to relieve gut discomfort. Some individuals often wonder “is eating disorders a mental illness?” because they feel it focuses only on food. The following are some of the symptoms of bulimia nervosa:
- Fear of gaining weight
- Recurrent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating
- Severe dental problems, such as tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion
- Calluses on knuckles from self-induced vomiting
- Low self-esteem influenced mainly by body weight and shape
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is one of the most prevalent eating disorders among adolescents. It is a common chronic illness where individuals develop symptoms that are similar to those of bulimia. Although it typically develops during adolescence and early adulthood, it can appear at any age.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Some of the symptoms of binge eating disorder that answer the question “is eating disorders a mental illness” are:
- Stealing or hoarding food in unexpected places
- Evidence of binge eating, which includes the constant disappearance of a large quantity of food in short periods
- Persistent feelings of guilt, disgust, and depression
- Secret recurring episodes of uncontrollable binge eating
Anorexia Nervosa
Individuals with anorexia nervosa often feel like they are significantly overweight or underweight. These individuals tend to obsessively monitor their weight and avoid certain foods. They often restrict their calorie intake, which may lead to malnutrition and eventually hospitalization and, in some cases, death. Research shows that 5.2% of adolescent girls met the criteria for anorexia.2
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Some of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
- Drastic weight loss
- Rigorous exercise regimes despite injury, illness, and fatigue
- Layered dressing to hide weight
- Inability to maintain a body weight that is appropriate for their build and height
Is Eating Disorder a Mental Illness?: Finding Treatment Answers
A commonly asked question about eating disorders is, “is eating disorders a mental illness?” An eating disorder is a mental health disorder. It has more to do with mental health than lack of food intake. Reports from the National Institute of Mental Health say that the highest mortality rate caused by any type of mental health condition is that of an eating disorder. People with long-term eating disorders have an increased risk of kidney damage, reproductive problems, and osteoporosis.3
Although eating disorders are complex, they can be treated successfully. There may also be co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. It is recommended to undergo a dual diagnosis treatment. This answers our frequently asked question, “is eating disorders a mental illness?: among various individuals.
Why Is it Important to Treat Not Only the Eating Disorder but the Root Causes?
Possible Root Causes of Eating Disorders
Psychological Factors
Some psychological factors can be the roots of a developing eating disorder. According to research, some identified personality characteristics are common among individuals with eating disorders. Some of these individuals are often sensitive, people pleasers, depressed, and perfectionists.
Sociological Factors
Biological Factors
How Mental Health Facilities Provide Effective Treatment
At mental health facilities, treatment options are available for the smooth recovery of individuals with eating disorders. These treatments are often tailored to the needs of the individual. Some of these treatments are detailed below.
Outpatient Therapy
In outpatient therapy, the patient meets with recovery professionals and nutritionists multiple times per week. It is the least restrictive care level for individuals with eating disorders. Outpatient treatment is helpful for individuals that need to attend school or work.
Intensive Outpatient Therapy
This treatment is best for individuals who require more support. Like outpatient treatment, these patients still have the flexibility to be in school or work. These patients will meet with the program for two to five days weekly at this level. Some of the treatment options at this level are family support groups and individualized therapy.
Partial Hospitalization Program
The individual will attend a PHP treatment for several hours and several days within a week. It is a step below residential and inpatient treatment. The individuals do not receive 24-hour care, and it takes place in a structured environment.
How to Avoid Future Relapses
- Get resources and join support groups where you can express your mind and ask various questions such as, “is eating disorders a mental illness?”
- Develop healthy lifestyle habits
- Get professional help
Eating Disorder Treatment at Alternative Options
If you find yourself asking, “is eating disorders a mental illness?” Alternative Options is here to help. Although eating disorders are complex, our team can get you the help you need. We will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. We offer a variety of treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient programs, psychotherapy, and holistic therapy.
If you or your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, you don’t have to do it alone. Contact Alternative Options today to find out more about our available treatment options.
