The Lie in the Mirror

The Lie in the Mirror
Some of the most rapidly growing disorders in the United States are eating disorders; some might wonder why, as do a lot of others. This page is a resource page for those would like to know more about eating disorders, more specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. 
Anorexia nervosa is an emotional disorder, which causes an obsessive desire to loose weight and not eat. Bulimia nervosa is also an emotional disorder which causes an obsession to loose weight and overeat followed by an onset of depression and self-purging and vomiting. Both disorders are recognized medical conditions that cause the mind to distort one’s body image. The mental aspect as well as the genetic aspect of these disorders is what mainly causes their development, other environmental factors will help to trigger them as well.
When discussing the genetic aspect of these disorders; one must be aware that like most other diseases and disorders, there is a part of your genetic composition (DNA), that is predisposed to either inherit or bypass a specific gene for certain types of medical conditions. For example; when doctors ask what your medical history is, they are asking for a reason and this reason is if something such as Cancer runs in your family, then you are more likely to develop Cancer than someone else whom Cancer does not run in their family. The same can be said for anorexia and bulimia; and this is a fact that not many people know about, and it is one of the most important elements in understanding, helping and coping with someone who is experiencing these disorders. If one cannot understand that these disorders are not things that people choose to have rather they are things that simply develop within them; then they will never be able to begin to help the healing process take place.
Aside from understanding the genetic composition of these disorders, one must also understand the mental aspect and what the genetic aspect actually does to the human body. When people suffer from such disorders, they do have an overwhelming desire to loose weight, but they also cannot control what they see when they look at themselves. It must be said that even if you understand the predisposition to developing these disorders, it is much more difficult to understand the mental aspect. When someone suffering from these disorders looks at themselves in the mirror, they do not see what the rest of the world sees; their minds play tricks on them causing them to feel as though they must loose weight in order to be accepted. The problem that most people have when they know someone who is experiencing these disorders is that they cannot simply understand how they look into a mirror and do not see what is really there. In this lies the biggest problem. Because as healthy people, it is  nearly impossible to relate to the problem, so one will simply insist that there is no problem, when in actuality there is. (Imagine trying to understand someone with multiple personality disorder, it is very much the same.)

When the Lie Consumes You...

When the Lie Consumes You...
For those that do not get treatment, or for those who do not recognize that they have a problem until it is too late the end can come quickly. Eating disorders walk hand-in-hand with depression, mixed with the self-destructive behaviors of those who suffer, it can be a recipe for disaster. Most people who suffer from these disorders begin to feel suicidal and have been known to not only attempt to kill themselves, but succeed. The urge to commit suicide is generally higher in anorexic nervosa sufferers. 
It is important that if one were to notice a friend or family member beginning to fall into bad habits of not eating, eating and going leaving the room soon after, excessive exercise, having a thin appearance, bloating, reoccurring fatigue, dizziness or fainting, thinning or breaking hair, dry skin,  or frequently being cold, act immediately. Don't be afraid to be a friend and let the person know that they have a friend, someone who cares and someone who notices a change in them, then try to urge them to go to the doctor. 

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Experts

Kaye, Walter, M.D., Director, Eating Disorders Program, Professor, UCSD Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 534-8019

Dr.Kaye is one the of the world's leading experts in the research and treatment of anorexia and bulimia. Dr. Kaye is mostly involved with these disorders in the aspect of research and developing treatments; he offers clinical trials for those who qualify for treatment. He is the program director of an eating disorders program located in California; the program does adult and teen intensive outpatient treatments. The program specializes in several different types of therapy from art therapy to group therapy and even nutrition education. 

Boutelle, Kerri, Ph.D.,L.P., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Director of Behavioral Services, Weight and Wellness Clinic, University of California, La Jolla, CA92037 (858) 534-8019

Dr.Boutelle is a colleague of Dr.Kaye who also works at the UCSD eating disorders program in California as the Behavioral Director of the Weight and Wellness Clinic. She has been working with people with eating related issues for over 12 years; and continues to treat the youth, young adults and their families who struggle with weight issues. She specializes in therapy and treatment.

Forsyth, Leigh Ann, Ph.D. Specialist in Behavioral Therapy, Director of Private Practice, 12429 Cedar Road, Suite 9, Heights, Ohio, (216) 407-7257  

Dr. Forsyth is an expert on the topic of eating disorders and psychiatry. She has an individual private practice, which specializes in counseling, family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, as well as outpatient treatment and treats all children, adolescents and adults.  Dr. Forsyth’s treatment model includes Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Non-Diet Approach, and Family Systems. 

Mark Warren, MD, MPH 
Clinical Psychiatrist, Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, 23240 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 270, Beachwood, OH, (216) 765-0500 

Dr.Warren is the medical director for the Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders (CCED). He is a distinguished member of the American Psychiatric Association and a two time recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award of the National Alliance for the Mentally ill. He works at the CCED with the mission to apply the most up to date research to treatment while also individualizing the treatment to work for each patient specifically. CCED deals with anorexia and bulimia as well as binge eating disorder and other eating related issues. 

Laura Hill, Ph.D., CEO/CCO, The Center for Balanced Living, 445 East Granville Road, Building N, Worthington, OH 43085, (614) 293-9550

Dr. Hill is the creator and developer of the Center for Balanced Living; she has been treating people with eating disorders since 1979 and has been researching eating disorders since 1984. The center has a vision to create strength through balanced living and a mission to specialize in evidence-based treatment, education and prevention. The center has an educational outreach section, which is completely focused on the education of eating disorders. It also provides therapy for hospitalized patients as well as outpatients and prides itself on support groups that allow people to heal together. 

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