Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders During the Holidays

08/08/2012 (press release: jimdini) // Denver, Colorado, United States // Frankie Cervantes

As the holiday season approaches, it can be difficult for those suffering from Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder. The Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDCD) provides the support, treatment and educational advocacy needed for those who suffer from eating disorders and their loved ones.

During the holidays when family and friends are surrounded by good company and good food, the Eating Disorder Center of Denver wants to remind those struggling with eating disorders to remember to focus on the relationships with loved ones and feel gratitude for the blessings received rather than their shape and size. However, it is still important for loved ones of those with eating disorders to know the signs and symptoms.

Some signs and symptoms of eating disorders include:

• Dramatic weight loss or weight gain in a short period of time

• Unusual behavior at the table (e.g. cutting food into tiny pieces, chewing food and spitting it out, eating a lot of food and then going directly to the bathroom)

• Excessive exercise and exercising at odd times

• Increase in mood swings, signs of depression, anxiety, and/or obsessive-compulsive behaviors

Tamara Pryor, PhD, Clinical Director at the Eating Disorder Center of Denver, suggests family and friends be supportive of those suffering from eating disorders and be knowledgeable of the symptoms. She stresses that for individuals and families affected by eating disorders, the focus on food and family can pose unique challenges. However, the Eating Disorder Center of Denver provides ideas and tools to help people anticipate, negotiate and even enjoy this holiday season.

“We support a healthy and realistic body image and offer numerous resources for family members and those affected by eating disorders to learn about signs of eating disorders, assessment tools and prevention methods including questionnaires, do’s and don’ts of eating disorders and treatment myths,” says Dr. Pryor.

The Eating Disorder Center of Denver suggests family members and friends pay careful attention if they suspect a loved one may have an eating disorder and offer them hope during the holidays with the resources available and treatment options.

For additional eating disorder signs and symptoms, go to www.edcdenver.com, click on “Useful Resources” and then “I Think My Loved One Has An Eating Disorder.”

About Eating Disorder Center of Denver

Established in 2001, Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDCD) is one of the nation’s foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of eating disorders. EDCD is committed to empowering individuals 18 years of age and older suffering with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and related disorders to help them achieve and sustain recovery. A multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, physicians, clinicians, family therapists and registered dietitians work together to create a specialized, evidence-based treatment plan for each patient. For additional information about EDCD, check out our website, www.edcdenver.com, visit us on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter (@EDCDenver).

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