A Comprehensive Program for Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening problems that often manifest in adolescence. Many young men and women are unhappy with their bodies and the way they look, and may respond with severe dieting and other drastic measures to change their appearance.

While not everyone who diets has an eating disorder, a disorder does exist when the person becomes obsessed with food and weight and his/her entire self image is based on appearance. When left untreated, serious medical and/or psychological complications result.

Eating disorders often occur together with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Our multidisciplinary team, including a pediatrician, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker and a dietitian, is well qualified to address all of these complex issues with therapy, behavior modification and, when appropriate, medication. In addition, family participation in the therapeutic process is strongly recommended. Family members are an important source of support and encouragement.

It is important to get help from qualified medical professionals who can guide and support both the patient and family during treatment and recovery. The sooner the eating disorder can be diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

Our Treatment Philosophy

Focus on Prevention

• Emphasize healthy eating and fit lifestyle
• Focus on life goals and accomplishments independent of body shape and weight

Focus on Intervention

• Provide nutritional rehabilitation
• Restore self esteem
• Treat associated medical and psychiatric disorders

Focus on Family

• Involve family in treatment planning
• Provide support for family members

The Center's multidisciplinary team is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and adolescent obesity in young people between the ages of 8 and 26.

Adolescent Obesity

• Incidence has risen dramatically
• Increase in related medical disorders such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adolescents
• Important to address early with both prevention and treatment strategies

Anorexia Nervosa

• Significant weight loss as a result of dieting
• Intense fear of weight gain
• Distorted body image
• In women, amenorrhea

Bulimia Nervosa

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• Feeling out of control during bingeing
• Frequent, self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or other medications, excessive exercise or severe dieting between binges

Binge Eating Disorder

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• Feeling out of control during bingeing
• Many failed attempts at controlling food intake to prevent weight gain

Many people have disorders that don't fit into the above criteria but they would still benefit from early intervention.

Males and Eating Disorders
While eating disorders are more common among females, the prevalence has increased among males. Body builders, wrestlers and other athletes are particularly at risk. The devastating effects of eating disorders cut across gender lines and severely impact the well-being of both males and females.

Treatment Process

• Comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Nutritional rehabilitation and meal planning
• Family education and support

Goals of Treatment

• Prevent/treat complications and associated medical conditions
• Restore healthy weight range
• Improve attitudes related to the eating disorder
• Encourage healthy exercise
• Address social and emotional development
• Identify issues that trigger symptoms
• Diminish fear and anxiety
• Improve relationships
• Improve coping and problem-solving skills
• Prevent relapse

Physical Activity Program

For more information, call (301) 530-0676.