Our Psychologists have written a number of articles about eating disorders. Here you will find information, helpful tips as well as comments on current stories in the media all about eating disorders. Most people who suffer from eating disorders have a range of symptoms across the various common types (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating etc) so please don’t feel concerned if your own symptoms don’t seem to match up with a single condition as this is perfectly normal. Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments section of an article. We are currently looking for people to contribute to our blog, so if you have or have had an eating disorder and would like to participate then please visit the Contact Page and let us know.
Eating Disorders 1. Mortality rates Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and for females between the ages of 15 and 24 years it is associated with a death rate 12 times higher than for all other causes of death. The reason for such a high death rate stems from the fact that an eating disorder has both emotional and physical dimensions so sufferers are not only at risk of harm as a result of mood disorders (e.g. suicide resulting from depression) but as a but […]...
1. Develop a regular pattern of eating If you are bingeing developing a regular pattern of eating is an essential first step. One of the main triggers for bingeing is hunger or low blood sugar. Regulating your blood sugar and ensuring that you are never too hungry will significantly reduce the likelihood of a binge being triggered. Aim for 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day and ensure that these consist of a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein and vegetables. If you are trying to lose weight you will need […]...
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health problem whereby the sufferer becomes extremely concerned with an aspect of their appearance, usually with a perceived physical flaw. Objectively the flaw is either minor or non existence but to the sufferer the flaw will feel hideous to the extent that in some cases individuals are unable to leave the house. Sufferers often develop complicated compulsions and checking behaviours centred around the perceived physical flaw in an attempt to manage the overwhelming levels of anxiety that their perception causes, however, these behaviours […]...
Dear Dr Gray, I think I’m a comfort eater. Whenever I am feeling depressed or anxious I reached for the biscuits (or crisps!). It is usually worse during the evening and whilst watching tv I can sometimes eat a whole packet of biscuits without realising. I am putting on a far amount of weight as a result which is making me feel more depressed which of course makes me what to eat more. Jessica – Marylebone Dr Gray Replies…….. Dear Jessica Many of us turn to food when we are […]...
