Trastornos alimentarios

¿Qué son los trastornos alimentarios?

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, eating behaviors, and body image. They can have life-threatening physical and emotional consequences.

While eating disorders can affect people of any gender, age, or background, they often develop in adolescence or young adulthood.

Common Types of Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa — Restricting food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image
• Bulimia Nervosa — Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
• Binge-Eating Disorder — Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food without purging behaviors
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) — Symptoms that cause distress and impairment but do not meet the exact criteria for other eating disorders
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) — Limiting food intake for reasons unrelated to body image, often resulting in nutritional deficiencies

Depression often co-occurs with eating disorders. Anxiety disorders are also common in those with eating disorders.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Los síntomas varían pero pueden incluir:

• Dramatic weight loss or fluctuations
• Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape
• Skipping meals or extreme dieting
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Eating unusually large amounts of food in one sitting
• Exercising excessively
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Physical changes like hair loss, dizziness, or gastrointestinal problems

Causas y factores de riesgo

Eating disorders often result from a combination of:

• Factores genéticos
• Psychological factors such as perfectionism or low self-esteem
• Cultural and societal pressures
• History of trauma or bullying related to weight or appearance
• Co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression

Health Risks

Eating disorders can affect every organ system, leading to serious complications such as:

• Kidney failure
• Osteoporosis
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Malnutrition
• Increased risk of suicide

Diagnosis

A licensed healthcare provider diagnoses eating disorders through:

• Medical evaluation
• Psychological assessment
• Review of eating behaviors, symptoms, and health history

Treatment and Recovery

Mental Wellness Center does not provide direct treatment for eating disorders. Local and national treatment options may include:

• Psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and other evidence-based approaches
• Nutritional counseling – Guided by a registered dietitian
• Medical monitoring – To address and prevent complications
• Medication – When appropriate, to address co-occurring symptoms such as anxiety or depression

Recovery is possible with early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan.

Eating Disorder Resources
in Santa Barbara

Conectamos a personas y familias con:

• Local therapists and dietitians experienced in eating disorder care
• Support groups for individuals and families
• Community-based wellness programs

Explore our mental health services directory to find local mental health specialists.

Cómo puede ayudar Mental Wellness Center

• Offer referrals to local providers and national helplines
• Facilitate community programs that promote healthy body image and reduce stigma

Más información sobre La misión de Mental Wellness Center de promover la salud mental para todos.

Estamos a su disposición.

Póngase en contacto con nosotros para obtener más información o concertar una cita. Podemos remitirle a un grupo educativo, a un grupo de apoyo o a uno de nuestros socios externos.

Para saber más sobre un trastorno de salud mental concreto
vaya a: www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness.

CALL (805) 884-8440 Se habla Español

EMAIL info@mentalwellnesscenter.org

VISÍTANOS 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Preguntas frecuentes

Q: Are eating disorders only about food?
No. They are complex mental health conditions often related to emotional, psychological, and social factors.

Q: Can eating disorders be cured?
With appropriate treatment and support, many people recover and lead healthy lives.

Q: Who is most at risk for developing an eating disorder?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, but risk is higher for those with a family history, perfectionistic tendencies, or exposure to weight-related bullying.

Q: Does Mental Wellness Center treat eating disorders?
No. We provide education and connect people with local and national treatment resources.

Q: Where can I find help in Santa Barbara?
Visit our Find Help directory, Support Groups page, or contact us for referrals to providers.