Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions marked by severe disruptions in eating behaviors, intense preoccupations with food or body weight, and distorted body image. Left untreated, these conditions can significantly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning.
While eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background, they most frequently manifest in three primary forms:
Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by severe food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a significantly distorted perception of body shape.
Bulimia Nervosa: Involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (purging) such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative misuse.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Marked by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food rapidly and feeling a loss of control, without regular purging behaviors.
Eating disorder recovery is entirely possible with a comprehensive, individualized psychiatric treatment plan. Our psychiatry team designs evidence-based care to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your condition, providing Utah residents with the specialized support needed for lasting healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns surrounding food, body image, and self-worth.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on developing emotional regulation skills, stress tolerance, and mindfulness to manage distress without turning to food behaviors.
Medication alone does not cure an eating disorder, but psychiatric providers often prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to treat co-occurring conditions like depression, OCD, and severe anxiety. Our team of providers across the Salt Lake City area integrates comprehensive medication management into individualized treatment plans for long-term recovery across Utah.
A registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders provides non-judgmental guidance to help restore physical health, re-establish regular eating patterns, and rebuild a healthy relationship with food.
