Eating Disorder – Signs and Symptoms
Are you or your loved one….
- Preoccupied with weight loss, body image, dieting, control of food?
- Gaining and/or losing significant amounts of weight?
- Eating large amounts of food in a very short period of time?
- Engaging in food rituals (for example, eating only a particular food or food group)?
- Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals?
- Frequently checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance?
- More moody than usual? Struggling with depression or anger?
- Having frequent digestive issues?
- Never feeling attractive enough?
- (For women and girls) – Showing menstrual irregularities?
If you answered yes to these questions, an initial psychology consultation may be helpful in identifying and treating the problem.
The Many Faces of Eating Disorders
The stereotype of a person with an Eating Disorders has often been a heterosexual, young, white female. However, in reality, Eating Disorders affect people of all cultural backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and ages.
- About one out of three people who struggle with an eating disorder are boys and men. Athletes, gay men, and masculine-identified trans men are at highest risk. Eating disordered behaviors (like binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight loss) are nearly as common among men as they are among women.
- Eating disordered behaviours (like binge eating, purging, laxative abuse, and fasting for weight loss) and preoccupation with body image occur at similar rates across people of various cultural backgrounds in Canada, including Indigenous women in North America. People of colour are significantly less likely to receive help for eating disorder issues.
- LGBTQ+ youth and adults face unique challenges that may put them at greater risk of developing an eating disorder. As early as 12 years old, gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens are at higher risk of binge-eating and purging than heterosexual peers.
- Eating disorders are often seen as a “teenager’s problem”. However, there is no age limit to eating disorders. Research shows that seniors who struggled with eating disorders and body dissatisfaction earlier in life are at increased risk of these behaviours later in life as well.
Treatment for eating disorders is not a “one-size-fits-all” program. Our psychologists view each individual as unique, and we take into account a combination of biological, psychological, and cultural factors when providing effective treatment.
Our Psychologists Treating Eating Disorders
Our licensed Psychologists provide counselling & psychotherapy for kids, teens, adults, and seniors presenting with a range of Eating Disorders and associated conditions, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Trauma
For children, parents are closely involved in the assessment and treatment process every step of the way.