Eating Disorder Treatment in Fresno, CA

Eating disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and weight. The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. These conditions can have serious and long-lasting physical and mental health consequences, and early treatment is crucial for recovery.

Ascend Behavioral Health is a leading treatment center in Fresno, CA, that specializes in helping individuals with eating disorders. The center offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. In this article, we’ll explore eating disorders, who is at risk, what causes the disorder, what are the symptoms, and the treatment options offered by Ascend Behavioral Health.

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects a person’s relationship with food and body image. People with eating disorders often have intense feelings of guilt and shame around eating and their body, which can lead to a cycle of disordered eating behaviors. Eating disorders can have serious physical and mental health consequences, and they often co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

Who is at Risk of Developing an Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity. However, some people may be at higher risk of developing an eating disorder, including:

• Women and girls
• Adolescents and young adults
• Individuals with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions
• Athletes and dancers
• People with a perfectionist personality or who are highly driven to succeed
• Individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or significant life changes

What Causes Eating Disorders?

The exact causes of eating disorders are not yet fully understood, but they are believed to be the result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder include:

• Family history of mental health conditions
• Trauma, abuse, or significant life changes
• Pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and body size
• Low self-esteem and body image issues
• Difficulty managing emotions and stress
• Medical conditions or medications that affect weight and appetite

Symptoms of Eating Disorders

The symptoms of eating disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder and the individual, but some common signs include:

• Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, and body image
• Significant changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals, bingeing, or purging
• Rapid weight loss or fluctuations in weight
• Preoccupation with calories, fat, and nutrition
• Extreme fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• Avoidance of certain foods or food groups
• Use of laxatives, diet pills, or other methods to control weight

Treatment Options for Eating Disorders in Fresno, CA

Ascend Behavioral Health offers comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs for individuals with eating disorders. The center’s team of experienced professionals includes therapists, dietitians, and medical staff who work together to provide a holistic, integrated approach to treatment. Some of the treatment options available at Ascend Behavioral Health include:

• Individual therapy: This type of therapy focuses on helping individuals understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around food and body image.
• Family therapy: This type of therapy involves the family in the treatment process and helps families to support the person with the eating disorder.
• Group therapy: This type of therapy provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment

We’ve partnered with Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery to provide comprehensive eating disorder recovery and treatment here in Fresno, CA.

Get help today!