Eating Disorders in Adults
Eating disorders certainly don’t discriminate – they can affect anyone at any age. Eating disorders can affect adult men and women, and the consequences can be life threatening and severe without treatment.
Eating Disorder Solutions provides treatment for women and men ages 18 and older. We design highly individualized treatment programs that address the physical and psychological symptoms of the eating disorder for the best chance of recovery. Take a look at the signs of eating disorders in adults and treatment for eating disorders in adults and get in touch with Eating Disorder Solutions for more information.
What Causes Eating Disorders in Adults?
Many adults who struggle with an eating disorder develop the disorder as a result from one or more life events. This can include a number of different factors including the death of a friend or family member, something that happened at work, a change in relationship between a friend or family member, financial problems or trauma. While some adults struggle with an eating disorder for years, others will suddenly display the early signs of eating disorders in adults rapidly. When it comes to treatment for eating disorders in adults, the sooner you start, the better your chances are of lasting recovery. Eating Disorder Solutions provides proven programs to treat a variety of eating disorders in adults and those with co-occurring disorders.
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Signs of an Eating Disorder in Adults
The signs of an eating disorder in adults will vary based on the type of eating disorder whether it is anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. Many individuals will try to hide the signs of an eating disorder because they are embarrassed or in denial. However, knowing the warning signs can help you know when it’s time to seek help. Primary signs of an eating disorder in adults may include:
- Rapid weight loss, weight gain, or dramatic weight fluctuations
- Frequent concern of weight or weighing oneself
- Excessive exercise
- Fasting, dieting, restricting or limiting food intake, followed by increased eating/binging
- Any type of purging after eating
- Wearing large, bulky clothing to hide weight loss or body shape
- Excessive use of diuretics or laxatives in an attempt to lose weight
- Withdrawing from social activities, especially ones that include food
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Negative comments about body weight and image
If you notice any of these warning signs or symptoms in a loved one, it’s critical to seek treatment. If left untreated, eating disorders in adults can lead to serious complications like malnutrition and organ failure. However, with treatment, adults can achieve lasting recovery and a healthy, fulfilling life.
How Do Eating Disorders Vary from Young Adults to Older Adults?
There are many reasons why eating disorders occur in young adults and older adults. Adults living with eating disorders could have experienced an eating disorder in the past that went untreated or went into remission and resurfaced later in life. Or, perhaps a sudden event caused the eating disorder in an older adult. Older adults struggling with an eating disorder may be reluctant to seek treatment due to the misbelief that older people do not (or should not) get eating disorders. They may have shame or embarrassment believing that eating disorders in younger adults are more prevalent. Since adults may be reluctant to seek treatment themselves, it’s important for friends and family to provide support and encouragement to seek treatment.
Eating Disorders in Men and Women
Eating disorders can vary from individual to individual and between men and women. Many women struggling with an eating disorder develop a distorted view of their own bodies and have an intense need to become thin. Adult men, on the other hand, often have a tendency to want a muscular physique and may go to extreme measures to attain their “ideal” look. Unfortunately, men are less likely to seek help for an eating disorder because of the stigma surrounding men and eating disorders.
Our Approach to Treating Eating Disorders in Adults
At Eating Disorder Solutions, we offer comprehensive treatment programs for adults struggling with an eating disorder. Based on the patient’s needs, we’ll recommend one of several levels of care:
- Residential Treatment Program: Our highest level of care that includes 24/7 monitoring.
- Partial Hospitalization Program: A step down from our residential treatment program and includes all-day treatment for five or six days a week.
- Intensive Outpatient Program: A step down from PHP and includes treatment for three hours a day, three days a week.
Our treatment for eating disorders in adults are designed to meet individuals where they are at in the recovery process. As individuals progress through their recovery, they can move to less intense levels of care. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, group therapy, art therapy, and one-on-one therapy will be used on an as needed basis as part of the client’s individualized eating disorder treatment program.
A multidisciplinary team will be assembled which includes a psychiatrist, registered dietitian, physician, and other experts in the field to design an individualized treatment program that’s unique to each client. Our multidisciplinary team takes a caring and compassionate approach to everything we do, so you always have a partner by your side throughout your journey.
Contact Eating Disorder Solutions for Treating Eating Disorders in Adulthood
Whether you are an individual seeking recovery for yourself, or you have a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder, treatment is essential to avoid severe consequences. We know that this can be a challenging time for you. Eating Disorder Solutions will guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and help you as you journey towards lasting recovery. Learn more about our treatment for eating disorders in adults and get in touch with us today.