Chapter 8-D
Eating DisordersRelated Topics:
Counseling: Individual, Group and Family
| Support Groups
Facts About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are serious health
problems. They can cause long-term damage to your body and 10 percent of
people with eating disorders die.
Treatment is available, but early treatment is critical to your chances of
recovery. Some of the symptoms are:
Anorexia Nervosa:
- Refusal to eat normally or at all.
- Preoccupation with food and calorie counting.
- Constantly checking weight.
- Frequent strenuous exercise.
- Loss of 25 percent of normal body weight.
- Excessive concern for others' eating and an obsession with preparing
food for them.
- Coarse, dry skin and hair loss.
- Hoarding and hiding food.
- Tendency to be highly self critical.
- Cessation of menstruation.
Bulimia:
- Buying and eating large amounts of food.
- Excessive use of laxatives and diuretics.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Sudden onset of tooth decay (caused by stomach acid eroding tooth enamel).
- Secretive behavior.
- Puffiness in the face.
- Fatigue and depression.
- Red knuckles from self-induced vomiting.
- Unexplained disappearance of large amounts of food, usually
carbohydrates.
Resources:
Center for Eating Disorders,
PA
Sheppard Pratt Hospital
6535 North Charles Street
Suite 300
Baltimore, Maryland 21204
410-938-5252
Offers comprehensive treatment services
for the patient with complex eating disorders. This includes inpatient, day
hospital and intensive outpatient services, as well as ongoing outpatient
treatment.
- Eating Disorder Support Group
Meets every Wednesday from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sheppard Pratt Hospital, Central Building, Room c-305
6501 North Charles Street, Towson, Maryland 21204
Contact Sarah Blake, 410-938-5252
- Largely Positive Support
Group
Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Sheppard Pratt Hospital, Central Building, Suite 300
6535 North Charles Street, Towson, Maryland 21204
Contact Deborah Kauffmann, RN, LD, 410-938-5252
Overeaters Anonymous
P.O. Box 20013
Baltimore, Maryland 21284
410-764-3136 (Answering Machine)
Fellowship of compulsive eaters who are striving to overcome problem.
|
![[Connections: Children, Youth and Family Resources Menu]](connechd.gif)