Our therapists offer eating disorder therapy in Media, PA

Bulimia and Anorexia Treatment in Media, PA—Therapists and Counselors

Eating disorders have effective treatments. Psychological and medication interventions are available and can be individualized to each person’s needs and symptoms. The first step in most treatment plans, usually, is gathering the courage to ask for help.

Thriveworks Media offers counseling for anorexia and bulimia, and our therapists know the risks that anyone with bulimia or anorexia faces. We want to bring holistic care to each client. Reach out today for help.

Medical Risks

Anorexia may cause the following medical conditions: heart failure, low blood pressure, abnormal heart beat, low heart rate, infertility, endocrine disruptions, menstrual cycle disruptions, premature osteoporosis, low white blood cells, anemia, kidney damage, and even death.

Bulimia may cause the following medical conditions: gastric rupture, kidney damage, tooth decay, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, electrolyte imbalance, and heart failure. Because they have the potential for such serious medical problems, recognizing the signs and symptoms of bulimia and anorexia is of utmost importance. Early recognition may allow for early treatment.

Recognizing Bulimia and Anorexia

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) recognizes several eating disorders, but anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are likely the most well known. Most commonly called simply anorexia and bulimia, these disorders have distinct characteristics and diagnoses.

The DSM-5 gives the following diagnostics for anorexia:

• Disgust for one’s body weight or shape with an inability to comprehend one’s below normal body weight.
• Acute and irrational fear of weight gain that leads to impeding healthy weight gain and maintenance.
• Severely limiting food consumption with the result of a substantially lower body weight in relationship to a person’s sex, physical health, developmental trajectory, and age.

The DSM-5 gives the following diagnostics for bulimia:

• Repeated times of binge eating, including,
  • Consuming, during a certain time period, food that is clearly more than most people could eat during the same time period and under similar circumstances.
  • Losing control over food during the binge.
• Trying to inhibit weight gain through repeated, inappropriate, compensatory behaviors that may include excessively exercising; misusing laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting too long and too frequently; self-induced vomiting.
• A self-image that is obsessed with body weight and shape.

Bulimia and anorexia also share many characteristics. Depression and anxiety disorders often surface with these eating disorders, and both men and women can experience bulimia or anorexia. They usually begin showing symptoms during the teen or early adulthood years, but people of any age (including young children and older adults) can develop an eating disorder.

Getting Help for Anorexia or Bulimia

Anorexia and bulimia are serious disorders, but they have effective treatments. Thriveworks Media offers therapy, and our counselors individualize treatment plans to fit each client’s needs.

Getting help for anorexia and bulimia can feel intimidating, so we have done what we can to provide support throughout the process. When you call our office, a person will answer your call and make your appointment. We offer convenient weekend and evening appointments. Many first-time clients see their counselor within the week. And finally, we also accept many insurance plans.

You do not have to fight bulimia or anorexia alone. We can work together for your mental and physical health. Call Thriveworks Media today.