What is a Psychological Eating Disorder.

Each Disorder involves pre occupation with food and the fear of getting big. Weight is continuously discussed, both at home, at school and college and often sufferers will read many books and articles on the subject.
Anorectic’s are determined to control and restrict the amounts of food they eat, they often will separate all foods on the plate and eat one item at a time, they will never eat any food that is not regarded by themselves as safe ( Safe-meaning they know the food does not make them put on weight). Bulimics feel and often are out of control, after food intake, they feel guilty when consuming such large amounts of food. The guilt is related to them gaining weight, they then purge the food by vomiting, Dialectic's or laxative abuse, after which they feel disgusted with who they are and what they are doing, and so the cycle continues.
In both cases the illness is life threatening. Food as such is NOT the main issue and neither is weight, there are deep rooted problems manifested within the sufferer, which they are unable to deal with.

What contributes to Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa.

Biological, cultural, psychological and social factors contribute to eating disorders. There appear to be some factors which for some people compound low self worthiness and often onset or trigger the illness. 
Social Influences :
Media and other presentations portray the ideal shape as being slim and fit. This often precipitates a tendency to stereotype big people in a negative manor.
The contribution of misinterpreted advertising by the multimillion slimming industry who dictates to society that being big is not sociably acceptable and describes what one should look like in-order to be sociably accepted.
Statistics indicate that sexual abuse is a very high contributory factor.
Verbal abuse by peers, parents and tutor's.

Personal Contributions.

Life crisis, such as changes during adolescence, breakdowns of relationships, re allocations, divorce and often death of a loved one are often triggers of the illness.
Fear of responsibilities, and often for this reason fear of growing up.
Belief of love of friends and family members is dependent on achievement.
Poor communication between family members, friends and often Tutor's.

Cultural Expectations.

Culture differs between race and religion and this often confuses children. South Africa dominates the Western culture, and often parents try to indoctrinate their children with their own culture of inheritance. An example is the recent integration of schools in South Africa. Concern has arisen by the large number of blacks, colored and Asians who have become ill with a Psychological Eating Disorder, after being integrated into multi cultural western orientated Schools or Universities. It is important to understand that cultural expectations play an important part in the child's acceptance of who he or she is.

How is Anorexia and Bulimia Diagnosed.

Anorexia

Loss of body weight in a very short period of time to below twenty five percent of what is average
for the age and height of the child, and a refusal to maintain a basic healthy weight.
Rigid control of eating, plus a diet deficit in energy containing foods.
Over activity and excessive exercising or sport.
Total pre occupation with body shape and weight.
Cessation of menstruation and other Physiological symptoms of malnutrition.
Often in later stages depression and social withdrawal.

Bulimia Nervosa

Gorging, followed by self inflicted vomiting.
Abuse of laxatives and or diuretics.
Pre occupation with body shape and weight.
Often depressed, social withdrawal and suicide attempts.

Compulsive Overeating

Consumption of large amounts of food.
Related attempts to loose weight without overall success.
Frequent weight fluctuations.
Medical consequences of obesity, such as high blood pressure and diabetics.

Treating the Disorder.

If treatment begins in the early stages, (Early being three to four weeks of onset) a one hundred percent recovery is normally foreseeable. However in most cases the duration of recovery is approximately two to three years of intense psychotherapy after overcoming the denial stage. It may take up to ten years to develop emotional growth. If you suspect someone who has a Psychological Eating Disorder, confront the person immediately after reading this, and comparing similarities, the three common profiles under the heading "Who are at risk of developing an eating disorder." Anorectic’s tend to become very defensive and if so try to understand that you have broken their defense mechanism. Bulimic's will deny the illness, however to them it is a sign of relief that someone cares and tries to understand, as often they feel alienated.

Sufferers and Family members should contact their nearest support group or E-Mail us at the below address for more information and treatment facilities in South Africa.

Denial of treatment by either Sufferers or Parents and Family members will result in prolonged costly treatment and may even result in death.

You can save a life!