EATING DISORDERS - Educational and Support Material

The Family Resource Counseling Center prides itself on being a resource in the West Los Angeles area providing psychological services to meet the needs of their clients and families. Adjacent to Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, it is a private practice therapy office that provides services for infants, children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. A variety of educational and support groups are also offered for parents and adolescents by our competent staff of psychologists and therapists. Other services include testing and assessments. An onsite psychiatrist is available by appointment. Please look at our entire web site for more information about our comprehensive list of psychotherapeutic services. The Family Resource Counseling Center has provided the links below to assist you in gathering information and online support.

Eating Disorders and body-image problems are influenced by several factors, including the extreme emphasis our society places on appearance and body weight, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, and, sometimes, more serious traumas. Eating disorders occur when attempts to regulate food intake get out of control. When feelings become too overwhelming, a preoccupation with one’s body and eating becomes a way to cope with stress and emotional pain.  Those with eating disorders often feel that their eating behaviors have a life of their own. An eating disorder is a real illness; it is not simply a matter of battling wills.  Eating disorders are treatable, and the Family Resource Counseling Center is highly qualified to help.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the two main types of eating disorders, while binge-eating disorder is now recognized as a significant problem as well. The onset of eating disorders occurs between childhood and adulthood, most frequently occurring during adolescence and early adulthood. 10% of high school and college students suffer from eating disorders.  Two-thirds of high school girls diet, and in California, 80% of girls have been on a diet by 4^th grade.  While males are sometimes afflicted with eating disorders, females represent an estimated 85-95% of those  affected by anorexia or bulimia.  Eating disorders often coexist with other psychiatric problems such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders. Some serious physical risks include heart conditions and kidney failure.  Eating disorders can result in death due to health complications and suicide.  Treatment of eating disorders is of critical importance.

Anorexia Nervosa - Symptoms

• Becoming underweight through starvation (at least 15% below normal body weight)
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even while underweight
• Distorted body image; viewing the self as fat; rigid self-evaluation through body weight and/or shape; denying negative consequences of low body weight
• Infrequent or absent menstrual periods

Bulimia Nervosa - Symptoms

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging, occurring at least twice a week for three months
• During the binge, an excessive amount of food is uncontrollably consumed in a short period of time (less than 1 hour)
• Feelings of fear, guilt, and disgust ensue, resulting in a compulsion to get rid of the food (a.k.a. compensatory behaviors) by any or all of the following methods: vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise.

Binge Eating Disorder (not yet a formal diagnosis) - Symptoms

• Recurrent episodes of uncontrollably eating an excessive amount of food in a short period of time, at least 2 days a week for 6 months
• Binge-eating episodes are characterized by at least 3 of the following:  eating much more quickly than usual, eating until feeling overly full, eating excessive amounts of food when not actually hungry, eating alone, feeling embarrassed, disgusted with oneself, depressed and guilty.
• There is no compensatory measure to rid the body of food through such means as purging, fasting, excessive exercise

The Family Resource Counseling Center provides services for teens, male and female, who struggle with eating disorders and body image distortion.  Because issues range from mild to severe, we have developed two groups, the Body Image Group and the Eating Disorders Group.  Group therapy is an important aspect of treatment because it allows people to explore their emotions with others who have similar struggles. The support and challenge to grow in group therapy can be invaluable in one’s recovery.  The Family Resource Counseling Center offers comprehensive treatment. 

LINKS:

Bulimia & Anorexia Kill
Free Expert Info Explains Dangers
Of Eating Disorders. Act Now!
www.williamgladdenfoundation.org

The ABC's of Eating Disorders
"An in-depth documentary on eating disorders in which anorexics, bulimics and compulsive overeaters share their intimate experiences.  Recently featured on CNN. A clip of the video is on the site as well as information on how to purchase it."
www.zakto.com

TREATMENT CENTERS

Puente de Vida
is a place where therapeutic services are offered to those ages 15 years and older with eating disorders, including those with co-occurring substance use and other disorders. A private six bed, homelike facility, located in beautiful San Diego, provides an excellent setting for the sensitive, inner work that takes place. Our treatment philosophy addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying issues beneath the surface of eating disorders. An individualized treatment approach includes traditional treatment interventions as well as experiential treatment by our multidisciplinary treatment team. Puente de Vida recognizes that every recovery journey is different and complex and assists the individual in finding their unique path and support in recovery.
www.puentedevida.com
Call: 858-581-1239
Toll Free: 877-995-4337
Mailing address: Puente de Vida, P.O. Box 86020, San Diego, CA 92138

Castle wood Treatment Center www.castlewoodtc.com

Center for Eating Disorders: www.center4ed.org

Center for Hope of the Sierras: www.centerforhopeofthesierras.com

Eating Disorder Center of California: www.edcca.com

Eating Disorders Information: www.eatingdisorderinfo.org

Monte Nido Treatment Center: www.montenido.com

Rosewood Ranch: www.rosewoodranch.com

Eating Disorder Links for Treatment: www.aanorexia.com/anorexiatreatment