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Eating Disorders

Psychiatry & Medication Management located in Denver and Greenwood Village, CO

Eating disorders are deeply personal mental health disorders surrounded by misconceptions and misunderstandings. The experienced psychiatric team at Peak Interactive Wellness in Denver, Colorado, understands that empathy, compassion, and awareness are essential to effectively diagnose and treat all types of eating disorders. With in-office and telemedicine appointments available, the team can address your needs and provide meaningful support for these disorders. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that negatively affect your relationship with food. They interfere with when, what, and how often you eat. Eating disorders can be all-consuming and disrupt every aspect of your life. They can also be difficult to recognize, as individuals with eating disorders often go to great lengths to hide signs of their condition.

Are there different types of eating disorders?

There are many types of eating disorders, but the four most common are:

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe food restriction and self-starvation, often accompanying an intense fear of gaining weight. This life-threatening eating disorder affects physical health and has significant psychological and emotional impacts.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a condition in which a person eats large quantities of food (binging) followed by forced vomiting (purging), self-imposed fasting, use of diuretics, or excessive exercise. 

Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder occurs when you eat unusually high amounts of food but don’t purge after. It’s one of the most common eating disorders in the U.S. and is a high-risk factor for obesity.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFD)

Individuals with ARFD limit their food intake or selectively eat due to extremely picky eating rather than fear of weight gain.

Eating disorders aren’t one-size-fits-all. You can have mild symptoms that worsen over time or a combination of different behaviors. Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder and seeking professional support is the first step in improving your health and well-being.

What is the root cause of eating disorders?

Many biological, psychological, and social factors can contribute to an eating disorder’s development, including:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Abuse or bullying
  • Social pressure to be thin
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Poor self-image
  • Sports that require maintaining a low weight (wrestling, gymnastics, etc.)
  • Stress
  • Perfectionism

Gaining insight into these underlying factors can help the Peak Interactive Wellness team identify the root cause of your eating disorder and develop the appropriate treatment for your unique needs.

What are the treatments for eating disorders?

Peak Interactive Wellness provides comprehensive care for eating disorders that may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Nutritional counseling and education
  • Antidepressants
  • Supplements from WholeScripts®

The team ensures you receive personalized support during every stage of recovery. Call Peak Interactive Wellness today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.