Eating disorders are multifactorial, complicated diseases that are origins of grave mental problems. In order to have a better look at these conditions, it is necessary to investigate the interconnection between mental health and the formation and support of eating disorders. In addition, the issue of integrated treatment approaches and its relevance may also shed light on the road to recovery, of which the people in need might not be aware.
Eating disorder is a severe mental illness that entails abnormal or unhealthy feeding. One of its characteristics is extreme actions in reference to food, weight, and body image, which is more likely to cause harm both physically and emotionally. The typical examples are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and the binge eating disorder.
Interrelationship of Mental Health with Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are very closely interrelated with mental health. Such correlation tends to complicate diagnosis and treatment because the symptoms of one condition may conceal or increase the symptoms of the other. Research has always revealed that eating disorders are associated with other mental health conditions which include:
The persons with the eating disorders also have the anxiety disorders which are generally experienced as feelings of fear or worry which are very strong most of the time associated with food, body image or social situation. Such fears may be the cause of restrictive or compulsive behaviors. Another frequent co-occurrence is depression, the symptoms include: lack of energy, as well as hopelessness, as well as negative attitude towards themselves. It forms a looping cycle, such that depressive symptoms aggravate disordered eating as well as the reverse. It is also common with those who have eating disorders and can be in the form of thoughts about food and weight which are obsessive in nature and the behavior can be compulsive such as excessive exercise or eating a limited variety of food.
Contributing Factors
The causes of eating disorders, their relationship to mental health problems all presuppose the consideration of several factors. Through this knowledge, health practitioners and teachers will be able to spot a potential vulnerable person early enough and offer him assistance. These include:
- Genetics: Genetic dispositions have been found to increase the likelihood of occurrence of mental conditions and eating disorders in a person.
- Environmental Factors: Disordered eating may be caused by stress, trauma, and family plays a role. To illustrate, the risk is usually increased in a case of individuals experiencing childhood adversity.
- Societal Pressures: The unrealistic beauty standards that are maintained by the media and reinforced by the culture can make people feel inadequate especially to those who are young. This can result in bad body image, low self esteem and in severe cases eating disorder behaviour.
The Body Image and Self-Esteem Role
Dissatisfaction with body image and poor self-esteem tend to be the cause of eating disorders. A large part of those experiencing eating disorders express a deep dissatisfaction about their bodies and that can be a reason behind such behavior as restrictive dieting, binge eating, or breaking to fulfill a certain ideal which is not really achievable. This saddening is compounded by both internal and external criticisms. It is also quite common that people carry with them unaddressed inadequacy, or fear of being judged, which only adds to their disordered behavior. It is important to correct these underlying problems in order to create a healthy attitude toward the body and food.
Combined Treatment Methods
Mental health issues and eating disorders are closely related, which requires treatment of both problems at once. The most effective treatment plans are integrated and they consider physical as well as psychological components of these conditions. Most important parts:
- Early Intervention: The sooner an eating disorder and co-occurring mental health issue is detected, the more the possibility of a complete recovery.
- Multidisciplinary Teams: A multi disciplinary team usually consists of several specialists who cooperate with each other, such as therapists, dietitians, medical doctors and psychiatrist to offer personalised plans.
- Holistic Care: Good treatment should include not only treating the symptoms but also the connection of the patient with food as well as self-esteem and the support system which belongs to the person.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This evidence-based intervention aims at addressing disturbed thinking that underlies disordered eating, assisting a person to substitute damaging behaviors with the more beneficial ones.
Moving Forward
The interaction between eating disorders and mental problems points out a necessity to take such disorders at a holistic level. This interplay is important in provision of sufficient support and in gradual alleviation of stigma among health professionals, educators, and general population. In case you need help or in case you know someone that is battling with an eating disorder or mental health issues, the first step is to reach out. A difference can be made by diagnosis and combining integrative and compassionate treatments.
