Consider the following signs and symptoms:
- I hate myself for the way I look
- I constantly compare myself to how other people look
- Thinner people are happier
- I am not good enough/lovable if I am not thin
- I am constantly hungry
- I eat alone, so nobody can see what I am eating
- There is a void in myself that I try to fill with eating or by avoid eating
- I am afraid of being out of control
- I hate myself for being out of control
- When bingeing or purging, I am not able to think about anything else
- I swallow my feelings when I binge
Eating disorders come in all sizes and every weight, and one cannot diagnose an eating disorder based on how a person looks. If you or your loved one answered “yes” to one or more of these reflections, you may have an eating disorder—and it may be time to seek professional advice. Call (301) 984-9791 to contact us, discuss your needs, and schedule an appointment.
Our Approach
Our psychiatrists evaluate and treat children, adolescents and adults suffering from bulimia or binge eating disorder. We begin treatment with a complete assessment of our client’s current functioning and relevant history. In particular, we focus on understanding eating behavior, body image concerns, exercise habits, family history, and any other important information which may help her develop a treatment plan. Some clients need a more psycho-educational and behavioral approach to therapy, which helps target symptoms surrounding disordered eating patterns. This focused style can also assist in promoting the client’s self-management of eating habits. Other clients may feel comfortable managing some of their symptoms and may want to spend more time in therapy understanding the meaning of food in their life and the underlying causes of the disordered eating. We will work with each client as a unique individual seeking therapy, and we will aim to tailor our therapeutic style to best meet each client’s needs.
What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders (and disordered eating) are characterized by disrupted eating behavior and unhealthy thinking about food. These behaviors and attitudes can lead to both emotional and physical problems. Eating disorders can affect both males and females and can result in life-threatening consequences. If you or someone you love is experiencing two or more of the following warning signs, we encourage you to call our office and set up an appointment immediately.
- Restricting food intake
- Noticing large fluctuations in weight
- Dividing foods into “good” and “bad” categories
- Eating large quantities of food in a single sitting
- Eating only at certain times, certain places, or with certain people
- Spending a disproportionate amount of time thinking about food
- Feeling like eating is out of control
- Needing to exercise in order to feel “normal”
- Purging food
Learn More about Eating Disorder Treatments at Potomac Psychiatry
Call (301) 984-9791 to speak to one of our experienced professionals. We look forward to meeting you.
