Share This Post

Every day we are bombarded with endless, often contradictory messages about what we eat, how we eat, and what we ‘should’ look like. Too fat, too skinny, lose weight, gain weight, fad diets, change your body, be proud of your body, treat yourself, detox yourself, eat 5 fruit-and-veg-a-day, 2-wholegrains-a-day, 2-oily-fish-a-week. It’s no wonder that around 5% of the population will develop some kind of eating disorder at some point. But many people will find themselves asking ‘What are eating disorders? Often, people with eating problems feel shame about their symptoms, and this can be a barrier to seeking help.  However, many people who receive treatment make a lasting recovery and see great improvements across all aspects of their mental and physical health.

What are the different types of eating disorder?

There are three main types of eating disorders in adults:

  1. Anorexia nervosa. Characterised by a bodyweight that is less than what would be expected given someone’s age, height etc. Sufferers tend to restrict their eating due to concerns about their weight and shape (such as a fear of weight gain) and lose weight.
  2. Bulimia nervosa. Characterised by regular binge eating followed by “compensatory behaviours” like vomiting, exercising, and restricting one’s eating and are an attempt to prevent weight gain.
  3. Binge-eating disorder. Characterised by Individuals by binge eating (as in bulimia nervosa) but without compensatory behaviours. Binge eating often occurs in secret and is associated with significant distress.

Children can present with the problems described above but can show slightly different symptoms such as failure to reach growth targets or difficulty describing a “loss of control”.

There are also some disorders that are more common in children, such as Pica (compulsive eating of non-foods) or ARFID, (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder).

How are eating disorders diagnosed?

In some cases, problems with eating can be caused by other conditions – either psychological or physical – or by some medications.  One aim of the assessment is to ensure that you are offered the most appropriate treatment.

During your assessment, you’ll be asked questions about:

  • Your current eating habits and how they developed
  • Your current life circumstances
  • Screening for other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and phobias.
  • These will be done through a mixture of conversation and questionnaires.
  • Your physical health. Conditions such as diabetes can often occur alongside eating disorders and may require particular management.
  • CBT For Eating Disorders

What is the treatment for it?

Most psychological treatments for eating problems focus on disrupting the factors and habits behind it.  This might include looking at eating patterns, reducing unhealthy body checking, and dietary rules.

Treatment often involves a type of CBT, specially designed for eating problems.  Just like other CBT approaches, your clinician will work together with you and focus on what is keeping your eating problem going.

All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for a range of issues for both young people and adults. If you would like to book an appointment you can do so on our online booking portal. If you have a question please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077. 

Begin your wellness journey

Get in touch with us and we will assess your needs and expertly pair you with the right clinician and services to get you on the path to embracing life.

To help personalise content and provide a better user experience, we use cookies. By clicking on accept, you agree to allow us to place these on your device. Learn more on our privacy policy.