Eating Disorders

Symptoms:

Express fear of loss of control over eating, eating cannot be stopped, or amount of food cannot be controlled. Has intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight. Engages in starving, gorging, purging, use of laxatives, or other dysfunctional behaviors aimed at weight control. Depression around belief that one is fat. Use food as a means to cope or escape from stress.

Therapy Solutions:

Develop healthy, realistic attitudes about body image and weight. Terminate overeating, purging, use of laxatives, and/or excessive exercise. Terminate addictive behavior. Demonstrate positive strategies with poor body image. Eat nutritionally. Build more realistic, self-enhancing self-talk.