June 2 – International Day against Eating Disorders
NewsThe International Day against Eating Disorders is celebrated on June 2.
According to the World Health Organization, today more than 14 million people in the world have eating disorders, including 3 million children and adolescents.
Eating disorders are the most common among mental illnesses, while they significantly reduce the quality of life. These include:
- anorexia
- bulimia
- compulsive overeating
Today we want to draw attention to some of the features that people with eating disorders face.
Duration of the disease and variability of forms
Eating disorders are characterized by duration and the ability to migrate or transform between different forms.
- For example, after a period of anorexia, bulimia may develop, and after a few years the condition may transform into compulsive overeating.
In particular, the studies revealed that in 64% of patients with anorexia nervosa, 53% of patients with bulimia nervosa and 30% with compulsive overeating who underwent treatment, the condition still met the criteria for eating disorders during the following years.
A large amount of time between the appearance of the first symptoms and going to a specialist
Symptoms of eating disorders are often hushed up or hidden. Often patients remember that in the early years of the disease they did not turn to specialists because they felt ashamed because there might be difficulties with food, they sought to improve their condition on their own. For this and many other reasons, the journey from the beginning to seeking help can take years.
Concomitant disorders
Or as they are also called – comorbid disorders. According to research data, 55-95% of patients have a second diagnosis of a mental disorder.
- These are often affective disorders (depression, bipolar affective disorder), anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
The need for an integrated approach in providing assistance
An integrated approach and long–term follow-up is something without which it is difficult to effectively help a patient with eating disorders. As a rule, a team of specialists is required, consisting of a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist (it can be individual or group psychotherapy, often a combination of them), somatic specialists (gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, therapist) and support and mutual assistance groups.
Take care of yourself and contact specialists in a timely manner!
