Eating Disorder
Treatment in Atlanta
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry offers individualized care and close personal support for people who have been living with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other forms of disordered eating. If you have been seeking customized outpatient eating disorder treatment in Atlanta, our center may be the ideal place for you.
What is Eating Disorder Treatment?
Eating disorder treatment in Atlanta can include a variety of therapies and support services to help people whose lives have been disrupted by disordered eating. The general goal of eating disorder treatment is to help patients learn to manage the urges and other symptoms that have been the source of such considerable distress in their lives.
Eating disorders are extremely serious and potentially debilitating mental health concerns. But when a person receives the type and level of care that align with their needs and goals, they can regain control of their thoughts and behaviors. With appropriate professional care, the support of loved ones, and concerted effort, people who have been struggling with eating disorders can lead healthier and much more hopeful lives.
Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal and unhealthy food-related behaviors. Disordered eating can take many forms. Three of the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder:
Commonly referred to simply as anorexia, this type of eating disorder is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a severe restriction of food intake. To underscore the severity of this condition, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder.
Bulimia involves periods of excessive eating, followed by unhealthy purging methods as a means of weight control. Examples of these methods include taking laxatives or enemas, forcing oneself to vomit, and exercising excessively.
People who have binge-eating disorder have difficulty regulating how much they eat at one time, or in a short period. After they complete a binge-eating episode, they often experience shame, guilt, and self-loathing as a result of their behavior.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has reported that the median age of onset of eating disorders is 21 for binge eating disorder and 18 for anorexia and bulimia.
How Common Are Eating Disorders?
According to a 2020 study by the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED), 9% of U.S. adults will develop an eating disorder over the course of their lifetime. The STRIPED report also noted that eating disorders cause 10,200 deaths each year, which works out to one death every 52 minutes.
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) has also provided the following statistics about the prevalence and impact of eating disorders in the United States:
- Experts estimate that 30% of people with eating disorders have a history of sexual abuse.
- About 26% of people with eating disorders will attempt suicide at least once.
- More than 30% of transgender people report using disordered eating behaviors in an attempt to change their bodies.
- Among adults with eating disorders, as many as 30% also exhibit symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
- Fewer than 6% of people who are diagnosed with an eating disorder are underweight.
- About 13% of male military members and 21% of female military members exhibit symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, which has been linked with disordered eating.
What Causes an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders do not appear to have a single cause. In most cases, a variety of internal (genetic) and external (environmental) factors seem to influence a person’s risk for developing anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and other types of eating disorders.
Possible risk factors for eating disorders include:
- History of sexual assault
- Being teased or bullied about one’s weight or body shape
- Gender (eating disorders are more common among girls and women than among boys and men)
- Having a parent or sibling who has an eating disorder
- Having a family history of other mental health concerns
- Developing an anxiety disorder
How Does Treatment for an Eating Disorder Work in Atlanta?
Our center offers eating disorder treatment in Atlanta on an outpatient basis. This level of care is designed for people who criteria such as the following:
- Adults of all genders, age 18 and over
- Have achieved stabilization in their eating disorder recovery
- Do not need round-the-clock care and supervision
- Have access to transportation to and from treatment
- Have a stable and supportive living arrangement
Prior to starting eating disorder treatment in Atlanta, our patients complete an intake assessment so that our team can identify and address the full scope of their needs. Depending on the information that we gather during that process, a patient’s care at our center may involve therapies and services such as the following:
- Medication management services
- Sessions with a psychiatrist
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal therapy
- Nutritional services
At the outpatient level, patients need to be at our center only when treatment is in session. During non-treatment hours, they may return to their home or to an alternative supported residence.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment for an Eating Disorder in Atlanta, GA
When you take part in eating disorder treatment in Atlanta at our center, you can expect to benefit in the following ways:
- Throughout your time at Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry, you will be in a supportive environment where you will be treated with compassion and respect.
- Your care will be provided by a team of skilled professionals who truly care about you. We will take the time to get to know you as a unique individual, so that we can be sure we are providing you with the services that will best prepare you for long-term success.
- You will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of therapies and support services.
- You can share support with others who have experienced similar struggles and who are also working toward a healthier future.
- Before you complete your time with us, you will receive a discharge plan to help you maintain and build on the progress you made with us.
Begin Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is a trusted provider of personalized outpatient care for adults who have been struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, other types of disordered eating, and co-occurring mental health concerns. At our center in Atlanta, Georgia, you can develop the skills and capabilities that will empower you to manage your symptoms, overcome your compulsions, and live a much healthier and more hopeful life.
When you’re ready to begin, the Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment please visit our appointment page or call us today.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is an Industry leader in mental health treatment . Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treat and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual.
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