Anorexia and bulimia are both serious eating disorders that require mental health and medical attention. However, they present with different symptoms and behaviors. Let’s look at the difference between anorexia and bulimia so that you may better recognize and understand the signs of each in a loved one. Whatever the eating disorder, it’s important to act as soon as possible to return to healthy eating habits.
The Characteristics of Anorexia
One of the main characteristics of anorexia is a restriction in eating out of fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia often carry a distorted view of their own body image and engage in severe dieting or behavior to lose weight. A low body weight is another recognizable symptom of anorexia. People with anorexia also fear gaining weight, even if it’s back to healthier levels, and don’t picture themselves as underweight.
The Characteristics of Bulimia
Bulimia involves episodes of binge eating where a person often displays a lack of control over their eating habits. After a binging episode, a person with bulimia would then partake in excessive behaviors to prevent weight gain. Those behaviors include self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, or the misuse of laxatives. Bulimia may be harder to identify by appearance because individuals still tend to have a normal body weight. People with bulimia often carry feelings of guilt and shame that need to be addressed, over their eating habits.
Book a Therapy Appointment for Anorexia or Bulimia
Both eating disorders are severe mental health conditions with potentially severe health consequences. Psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medication may all be potential treatments to overcome the effects of the disorder. A therapist can help you understand the situation and establish healthier eating habits and patterns.
Dean Aman and his team of experienced mental health specialists understand what it takes to provide the type of care you need. If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from anorexia or bulimia, it’s important to act as soon as possible. Contact us today to book an appointment and start on the path to recovery.