Eating Disorder Treatment in Austin, Texas

Myths About Eating Disorders

1. Eating disorders only affect young women.

Eating disorders do not discriminate based on gender identity, ethnicity, race, sexuality, body size, class, ability, or age. Underrepresentation of marginalized identities can lead to fewer individuals seeking help. Thus they are not getting appropriate services. We aim to make treatment accessible to ALL individuals struggling with eating disorders.

2. You can tell if someone has an eating disorder just by looking at them.

In reality, less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight.” An individual does not need to be underweight to be taken seriously. For example, larger-bodied individuals may also have anorexia but are less likely to be diagnosed due to weight stigma. We must also remember that eating disorders encompass a variety of behaviors, not just restriction. Sadly, only 1 in 10 individuals with an eating disorder receive care, and we want to change this.

3. Eating disorders are just about food and body image.

Studies show that there is a relationship between eating disorders and past trauma. As well as social injustices, stress, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues. They are not just superficial. For example, restriction may bring a sense of control to individuals who feel other aspects of their lives are out of their control. On the other hand, the act of bingeing can provide temporary emotional relief.

4. Eating disorders aren’t serious illnesses.

This is a dangerous misunderstanding. Eating disorders actually carry an increased risk of medical complications and psychiatric comorbidity. Such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. As well as substance misuse, self-harm, and increased suicide risk. Close to 25% of individuals with eating disorders attempt suicide. Eating disorders are among the deadliest of mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose.

(If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 and is available 24/7. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.)

Eating Disorders Types & Their Symptoms

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a severe restriction of food intake to lose or maintain weight. In addition to a fear of gaining weight and a disturbance in how one’s body is perceived. It is one of the deadliest mental illnesses and has severe mental and physical health consequences. Anorexia is often coupled with depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorders. One in five anorexia deaths is by suicide.

Our eating disorder therapists understand the importance of treating anorexia from a multidisciplinary approach. They aim to collaborate with other health professionals such as dietitians and medical doctors. Common signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa include the following:

• Dramatic weight loss

• Preoccupation with food, calories, or weight

• Denial of hunger

• Avoiding eating in public

• Refusing to eat specific categories of food

• A strong desire for control

• Avoiding social situations that may involve food

• Developing food rules, rituals, or restrictions

• Dressing in layers to stay warm or to hide weight loss

• An intense fear of gaining weight

• Social withdrawal

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Menstrual irregularities

• Hair thinning

• Muscle weakness

• Anemia

• Slow heart rate

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by patterns of bingeing followed by purging. Bingeing is the consumption of large amounts of food in a short span of time. Whereas purging refers to the elimination of the calories consumed during a binge. Bulimia is often co-occurring with anxiety and mood disorders as well as substance use disorders. Common signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa include the following:

• Consuming a large quantity of food in a short period of time

• Eating until uncomfortably full

• Eating in private

• Social withdrawal

• Using compensatory behaviors to make up for calories consumed. For example purging or vomiting, overexercising, diuretics, laxatives, restricting or fasting, etc.

• Feeling out of control when eating

• Feeling shame about how much you eat

• Fear of gaining weight

• Discolored or stained teeth from induced vomiting

• Bradycardia and other heart issues

• Making trips to the restroom during and after meals

• Strict adherence to an exercise schedule

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by frequent episodes of eating large quantities of food over short periods of time. To the point of feeling uncomfortable or sick. It is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 8% of the population. It is three times as prevalent as anorexia and bulimia combined. However, less than 30% of those struggling with BED receive treatment. Similar to other eating disorders, binge eating disorder often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or substance use. Common signs and symptoms of BED include the following:

• Eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time

• Consuming large quantities of food even when not hungry

• Eating more quickly than usual

• Feeling out of control around food

• Eating until feeling overly full and uncomfortable

• Feelings of shame, guilt, disgust, or depression after eating

• Secretive eating or not eating in front of others

• Feelings of sadness or embarrassment in regard to your weight and your eating habits

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is often referred to as “extremely picky eating.” However, it is a serious eating disorder that affects many individuals, particularly children. This disorder is not tied to the desire to lose weight. ARFID is often co-morbid with anxious and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Research shows that ARFID is more common in boys than girls and in children who are neurodivergent. There are three main types of ARFID outlined below:

• Sensory Avoidance: Individuals have issues with the texture, smell, and temperature of food.

• Fear of Aversive Consequences: Individuals may associate eating with a “bad” experience. Such as almost choking, getting sick, having an allergic reaction, or vomiting.

• Lack of Interest: Individuals have a true disinterest in eating and food and may get full quickly.

Common signs and symptoms of ARFID include a shortlist of acceptable foods, nutrient deficiencies, eating foods with similar characteristics (color, texture, etc.), delays in weight gain or growth, avoidance of vegetables or protein sources, and preference for a particular preparation of foods. Individuals with ARFID may also express emotional distress around meals and eating unfamiliar foods. This can lead to social difficulties in situations that involve food, such as mealtime or celebrations.

Orthorexia

Orthorexia is characterized by a fixation on "healthy" foods or "clean eating". To the point of restricting intake to only certain foods that are deemed "healthy." Orthorexia interferes with daily life and can affect interpersonal relationships. Symptoms and signs of orthorexia include the following:

• Fear of processed foods

• Obsessively checking nutritional labels and ingredients

• Calorie-counting or macro tracking

• Following “healthy lifestyle” influencers and bloggers

• Avoiding social gatherings for fear of being pressured to eat “unhealthy” foods

• Cutting out food groups (sugar, carbs, etc.) or adopting a lifestyle that restricts food (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc.) unrelated to a medical condition or a moral or religious belief

• Perfectionism

• Rigid and inflexible food rules and exercise routines

Our Approach to Eating Disorder Treatment in Austin, TX

We approach treatment from a Health At Every Size (HAES ®) and anti-diet lens. You might be wondering what that means. Health At Every Size ® honors differences in size, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, religion, and other critical pieces of your identity. It challenges stereotypes, myths, and weight stigma. HAES ® emphasizes eating for overall well-being and not for controlling weight. Eating is flexible and based on hunger, satiety, nutritional needs, and pleasure.

At Autonomy Therapy, we believe you can be loved and accepted regardless of your weight. We respect all bodies. Our eating disorder therapists foster compassionate self-care and critical awareness. We acknowledge social injustice and barriers that influence health outcomes. Rather than boiling it down to “personal choice.” We believe in the acceptance and celebration of bodies rather than self-hatred and self-blame. To better understand the difference between diet-culture and anti-diet culture, see the examples below.

For more information about our approach to eating disorder treatment, be sure to check out our blog.

What is a therapist’s role in eating disorder treatment?

An eating disorder therapist can help you uncover the underlying issues contributing to your eating disorder. As mentioned before, eating disorders are not always tied to body image or weight. They are often a symptom of a larger root cause. This may include trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, perfectionism, and more. Working with a mental health professional can help you identify beliefs and messages learned about food and appearance.

Your eating disorder therapist can also help you explore emotions and thoughts that come before and after eating. Eating disorder treatment allows a safe and non-judgmental space to process and challenge negative thoughts around eating and body image. Our therapists at Autonomy Therapy also provide psychoeducation. To dismantle diet culture and help you heal your relationship with food.