However, the holidays also present an opportunity for friends and loved ones to observe each other and detect the signs of an eating disorder. Often, individuals with eating disorders will not seek help until confronted and supported by someone who cares about them.
Tamara Pryor, Ph.D., clinical director of an eating disorders treatment center in Denver, Colo., comments: "It is important for friends and family to recognize eating disorder clues and speak up when they suspect their loved one has a problem. Eating disorders can be life threatening, and holding back on addressing the issue only enables the destructive behavior.
"The best approach is to be gentle but persistent with your loved one. Do not expect them to admit they have a problem right away. Allow them some time and space to reflect on your concerns and consider seeking treatment for their disorder."
There are a number of symptoms of an eating disorder. Certain aspects of a person's appearance may provide clues. For example, hair loss, pale skin, dramatic weight loss or gain within a short period of time, and dressing in baggy clothing or multiple layers.
Certain behaviors may also indicate a problem, such as obsessively monitoring the caloric, fat or carbohydrate content of foods; dramatic emotional shifts such as mood swings, depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviors; exercising excessively or at unusual times; and obsessively talking about being fat or losing weight.
Also be on the lookout for diet pills, laxatives, ipecac syrup or enemas in the individual's bedroom or bathroom; books about weight loss or eating disorders; and food hidden in strange places. Strange table manners that may point to an eating disorder include cutting food into very small pieces, shifting food around on the plate to make it look eaten, eating a large amount of food and then immediately going to the bathroom, and frequent trips to the bathroom during meals.
(Source: www.pr.com)
Labels: eating disorder, symptoms, holidays
Posted By: Aspen Education Group