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Eating Disorders have become such an alarming psychological problem that left untreated may actually become worse over time, leading to suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior.
Anorexia Nervosa
This disorder almost always begins as a weight-loss diet. People with Anorexia Nervosa are significantly below normal weight. Typically by 15 percent or more yet always feel they are fat and remain obsessed with losing weight. Even after reaching an emaciated state, the person continues to limit their food consumption.
Anorexia was first identified and named during the 1870s, when it first appeared among affluent adolescent girls (Brumberg, 2000). Nowadays it is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and 9 times out of 10 – a female.
Patients suffering from Anorexia also tend to have low self-evaluations and often come from families that are competitive, high-achieving and protective (Pate Et al., 1992). People suffering with Anorexia set perfectionist standards with how others perceive them.
Bulimia Nervosa
This is another serious Eating Disorder characterized by episodes of overeating, usually of high-calorie foods, followed by vomiting, laxative use, fasting or excessive exercise.
Most binge-purge eaters are women in their late teens and early twenties. They eat the same way alcoholics drink, in spurts, sometimes influenced by friends who are bingeing. Pre-occupied with foods and fearful of becoming over-weight, people suffering with Bulimia experience bouts of depression and anxiety, most severe during and following binges.
Bulimia is marked by weight loss fluctuations within or above normal ranges making the condition easy to hide.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are obsessed with imagined or minor defects. This belief can severely impair their lives and cause harmful distress. Parents should look for these common signs and symptoms:
- A preoccupation with physical appearance, with extreme self-consciousness, frequent self-examination in the mirror, or complete avoidance of mirrors.
- Strong belief of having an abnormality or defect in their appearance.
- Belief that others take special note of their appearance in a negative way.
- Avoidance of social situations.
- Finding excuses to stay housebound.
- Frequent cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction.
- The need to constantly seek reassurance from others about appearance.
Boys Struggle Too
The struggle with self-image and self-esteem doesn’t just affect teenage girls. Boys can also become just as fixated on appearance, and often turn to alcohol and drugs as well as other exotic intoxicants to numb their sense of being out of control.
In 2015, researchers reported a significant risk in the number of boys and young men suffering from eating disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge eating. In a report from Ireland and the U.K., a startling 30-percent jump since 2000 was observed. Boys and young men are greatly concerned with having athletic bodies and looking buff.
Chronic Unhappiness
Today’s technology and the need for taking a perfect ‘selfie’ has a lot to do with the explosion of BDD, OCD, anxiety, depression and narcissistic behavior (personality disorders).
These trends should be cause for alarm. Narcissism and excessive self-involvement are both known attributes of those who suffer from chronic unhappiness.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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