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Eating Disorders

Understanding the Complexities and Finding Healing at Pillars Health Group

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve persistent disturbances in eating behavior or related behaviors that significantly impair physical health or psychosocial functioning. They are complex conditions with biological, psychological, and social contributing factors.

There are several types of eating disorders, including:

  • Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by a persistent restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia may engage in behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as excessive exercise or misuse of laxatives.
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Involves recurrent episodes of binge eating (consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time) followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.
  • Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the compensatory behaviors seen in bulimia nervosa. Individuals with BED often feel a lack of control over their eating during binge episodes and experience significant distress or guilt afterward.
  • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): This category includes individuals who do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder but still experience significant eating disturbances and distress.
The consequences of eating disorders can be severe and life-threatening:
  • Physical Health: Malnutrition, weight loss (in anorexia), electrolyte imbalances, cardiovascular problems, dental problems (from vomiting), gastrointestinal issues, and other medical complications. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder.
  • Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, body image issues, and other mental health conditions often co-occur with eating disorders.
  • Social and Behavioral Issues: Social isolation, relationship difficulties, and impaired functioning at school or work.

Pillars Health Group's Approach to Eating Disorder Treatment:

At Pillars Health Group, we understand the complexities of eating disorders and offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our approach focuses on restoring healthy eating patterns, addressing underlying psychological issues, and improving overall well-being.

We offer a range of services, including:

Nutritional Counseling:

Registered dietitians provide education and guidance on healthy eating, meal planning, and restoring a healthy relationship with food. This is a crucial component of treatment for all eating disorders.

Individual Therapy:

One-on-one sessions with our experienced clinicians are essential for addressing the underlying psychological issues that contribute to eating disorders, such as body image concerns, low self-esteem, trauma, and emotional regulation difficulties. We utilize evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family-Based Therapy (for adolescents).

Group Therapy:

Group therapy can provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, learn coping skills, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Medical Management:

Medical professionals monitor the physical health of individuals with eating disorders, addressing any medical complications and ensuring their safety. For individuals with severe medical complications, inpatient hospitalization may be necessary.

Case Management:

Our case managers work with clients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan and connect them with resources in their community to support their ongoing recovery and well-being. This may include referrals to support groups, nutritional counseling, or other services.

Our holistic approach emphasizes addressing the individual’s overall well-being, including their physical, mental, emotional, and social health. We empower individuals to develop healthy coping strategies, improve their body image, and build a foundation for lasting recovery. We are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care every step of the way. Recovery from an eating disorder can be a challenging process, but with the right treatment and support, it is possible to achieve lasting healing and a healthy relationship with food and one’s body.

Step Into A Brighter Day

(888) 784-1683

info@pillarshg.com

1 Highwood Drive, Tewksbury, MA 01876

Dedicated to mental health treatment and addiction recovery with compassionate, personalized care.

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