Body Dysmorphia: What It Is and How It Differs from Normal Appearance Concerns
You may have heard of Body Dysmorphia, but what exactly is it? Body Dysmorphia is a mental health condition where you become obsessed with perceived flaws in your appearance. These "flaws" are often minor or nonexistent to others, but they feel like glaring imperfections to you.
People with Body Dysmorphia often have unrealistic and distorted views of their bodies, focusing on minor or nonexistent flaws. You might spend hours scrutinizing your reflection, convinced that a tiny blemish or slight asymmetry makes you look hideous. This distorted view can seriously impact your daily life and self-esteem.
How Body Dysmorphia Differs From Normal Appearance Concerns
You might occasionally worry about your looks, but Body Dysmorphia takes this to an extreme. While it's normal to want to improve your appearance, and look your very best, those with Body Dysmorphia obsess over perceived flaws that others can't see. This preoccupation disrupts daily life, causing severe distress and often avoidance of social situations.
Unlike typical insecurities, Body Dysmorphia involves persistent, intrusive thoughts that are hard to shake, often leading to compulsive behaviors like constant mirror-checking or excessive and time-consuming grooming routines. Let's get into the details.
Intensity of Body Dysmorphia
Body Dysmorphia isn't just occasional self-doubt—it's an all-consuming preoccupation. You might find yourself obsessing over perceived flaws for hours each day, unable to focus on anything else. This intense fixation can significantly disrupt your daily life, relationships, and general well-being.
Unlike normal appearance concerns, Body Dysmorphia's grip on your thoughts and emotions is relentless, often leading to extreme measures to "fix" imagined imperfections.
Unrealistic Body Image Perceptions
You might look in the mirror and see flaws that nobody else notices. With Body Dysmorphia, your brain magnifies perceived imperfections, making them seem much worse than they are.
This distorted self-image can consume your thoughts, leading to extreme anxiety and avoidance behaviors. Unlike normal appearance concerns, Body Dysmorphia creates an intense preoccupation that significantly impacts your daily life and relationships.
Response to Reassurance
When friends or family reassure you about your looks, you can usually accept their words. But if you have Body Dysmorphia, no amount of reassurance seems to help. You might even believe others are being polite or lying to make you feel better.
Remember, if your appearance concerns are causing significant distress, seeking professional help is always okay. You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Repetitive Behaviors
You might find yourself constantly checking your appearance in mirrors or reflective surfaces. Maybe you're always asking others for reassurance about how you look. These repetitive behaviors, such as seeking reassurance, are common in Body Dysmorphia.
You might also spend hours trying to conceal perceived flaws with makeup, clothing, or excessive grooming. While it's expected to care about your appearance, these obsessive actions can significantly disrupt your daily life and relationships.
Body Dysmorphia's Impact on Daily Life
Body Dysmorphia can significantly disrupt your everyday activities. You might spend hours obsessing over perceived flaws, avoiding social situations, or constantly seeking reassurance. This preoccupation can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being. You may struggle to concentrate on tasks or feel anxious in public spaces. In severe cases, it might even lead to isolation or depression, as the constant worry about appearance takes center stage in your life.
That is the sum of our beginning to understand Body Dysmorphia today and how it's different from normal appearance concerns. Everyone has insecurities, and has the right to take pride in their appearance , but if you are struggling with symptoms of Body Dysmorphia it may be time to reach out for help when these symptoms begin to take over your life.
Don't be afraid to talk to a therapist or counselor if you're struggling. At Resilience Therapy, our therapists and counselors are experienced and trained in treating Body Dysmorphia so we can best help you begin your path to true body acceptance. Next time you catch yourself obsessing over that "flaw" in the mirror, that no one else sees, take a step back and remember—you're so much more than what you see on the surface. We are here for you. Book a consultation for eating disorder counseling today. ResilienceTherapy.com
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When “Healthy” Eating Turns Harmful: Early Detection of Eating Disorders in Teens
As parents and caregivers, it may feel natural to feel proud when our teens take an interest in healthy eating and exercise, especially in the world of competitive sports. You may even be envious of their willpower, especially if you have struggled with your own relationship to food and body image. However, this pride can quickly turn to concern when the new “healthy” habits become extreme, and the thinking becomes obsessive. It may even take you a while to wrap your mind around these perplexing changes in your teen. You may even experience some confusion about whether this is part of normal adolescence… or it is not…
Adolescents, especially teen athletes in weight-related sports, are particularly susceptible to eating disorders. The stakes are high to get into college, academics are stressful, and social media is relentless and insidious. For teen athletes, The pressure to perform, combined with societal and social media unrealistic and Eurocentric ideals around body image, plus any genetic predispositions, can create a perfect storm for these serious conditions to develop.
Early Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Paying attention to the early warning signs of eating disorders can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes. Here are some red flags to watch for in your child:
20 Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Teens:
- Eating, once carefree, becomes overly cautious
- Skipping meals, especially lunch at school
- Thinness without vibrancy
- Overconcern about nutritional content of foods
- Cutting our food groups deemed not to be “healthy”
- Rejection of the foods of one’s cultural heritage
- New reluctance to eat with family, friends, and in public
- Increasing preoccupation around body image, thinness, and a flat tummy.
- Connecting self-worth to body shape/size; unable to see one’s own beauty.
- Constantly comparing, fears about being teased, distorted negative body image.
- Delayed puberty or regression in puberty, such as amenorrhea
- Rapid plunge or increase in weight, regardless of starting body size or BMI.
- Adult-like mindset to “dieting”, disconnected from the need for a child or teen to grow and mature.
- Obsessive ritualistic behaviors around food, sneaking food, micro biting, etc.
- Falling off one’s own growth curves; failure to reach Expected Weight/Height
- Excessive exercise with the intent to alter one’s natural body shape.
- “Picky”, selective eating that does not resolve.
- Bulimic symptoms – purging or using laxatives.
- Increase in anxiety, depression, even suicidal ideation
- Medical symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, low heart rate, low body temperature, weakness, gastric, and bowel discomforts
Around the Globe, Family Based Treatment is considered First-Line-of-Treatment
Eating Disorders remain one of the most lethal of the psychiatric illnesses. The medium onset of anorexia has dropped from 14 years of age to 12 years of age. Children as young as 6 years old are concerned about being “fat”. Boys and children from all ethnic/cultural backgrounds experience negative body image concerns. Bullying around body size and shape is now becoming the most common form of bullying in middle school.
Regardless of body size, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa have serious medical and mental health consequences. Restrictive Eating Disorders will have medical complications that are the direct result of starvation and weight loss. Children and Adolescents who are diagnosed with Atypical Anorexia, are children who begin in larger bodies or higher weight bodies. These children can suffer the same if not more, from a severe and rapid plunge with weight loss. The heart and all organs are compromised with starvation, regardless of body size. The brain is one of the primary organs impacted by starvation, which impacts mood, anxiety, and mental health in general.
What are the dangers of dieting and restricting intake in children and teens?
10 Reasons why Children should not Diet... Ever!
- Children and Adolescents follow a predictable pattern of growth that determines the growth and health of all organs, brain matter, and their entire skeletal system.
- Dieting and weight loss in children can have potential irreversible impact on both physical and emotional growth
- 40-60-% of peak bone mass is accrued during adolescents
- Compromised Bone Health can lead to a lifetime of increased fracture risk.
- Starving is damaging to the heart and causes bradycardia.
- Brain is under development until age 25. Emotional maturity can be stunted, as can growth
- During Puberty, nutritional and hormonal factors play a major development in Bone Development
- The oestrogens, Estrogen and Testosterone, are thought to play a key role in increasing and maintaining bone mass in adolescent males and females
- Anorexia and Bulimia can come with an increased risk of suicidal ideation
- Without proper intervention, an acute eating disorder turns into a chronic eating disorder
An Eating Disorder in Teens is characterized by a lot of ‘excuses’. “I am not hungry”. “I already ate”. I “This is not healthy” “I need to take a shower right after dinner. “No one eats lunch! it is not cool!” And food groups begin to drop off their list of acceptable foods…
Early Intervention is the Key – If you see an eating disorder specialist, especially one trained in FBT, they will help you intervene early in this process. The goal is to prevent acute symptoms from becoming chronic.
Around the Globe, Family Based Treatment is considered First-Line-of-Treatment
Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) has emerged, internationally, as one of the most effective methods for treating eating disorders in young people. This approach involves the family directly in the recovery process, empowering parents to guide their child back to health. Turning the ship around, back in the direction it came from, when eating was more carefree.
FBT is a protocol in 3 phases:
Phase 1 – Weight Restoration: The family takes control of the teen’s restrictive eating habits, by supervising and supporting fuller nutrition and intake to stop the downward weight loss spiral and begin to “weight restore”. Parents temporarily stop calorie –burning exercise and intervene with eating disorder symptoms, such as throwing food away, pushing food around the plate, or purging.
Parents lend their child their “Wise Mind” when their child’s thinking is so impaired and irrational.
Phase 2 – Begin to return control and choices to the adolescent:
After a teen has made a lot of progress returning to their own growth curve and is eating well, the control of their eating is gradually returned back to the teen ,with ongoing family support. Flexibility and exposure work is encouraged here. Reintroducing foods and eating in new places is encouraged. Full nutrition with all food groups represented here, is key .
Phase 3 – Establishing Healthy Independence: In phase 3, the focus shifts to establishing normal adolescent development and healthy, independent eating habits. Full mental and physical weight restoration occurs here. For a child or a teen, these numbers are a moving target. We are looking here for “State not Weight”, meaning full mental health recovery may need more than the minimum acceptable medical weight.
Families don’t cause eating disorders, they are the best allies of recovery
FBT, around the globe, is considered the Gold Standard for pediatric and adolescent eating disorders. A good eating disorder specialist will help you decide whether outpatient care is best for your child right now, or if you need a higher level of care, if this is assessed to be the best step for your child now. Either way, Eating Disorder Treatment, when done right, and done early, can lead to lasting and positive outcomes for your child.
Families don’t cause eating disorders, they are the best source of support. Don’t let an early acute course of an eating disorder become a chronic course. Your involvement can change this course.
Resilience Golden Rule for Early Intervention: Intervene!
For every pound your child loses, they move toward medical danger. For every pound your child's weight restores, they move away from medical danger.
Eating Disorders progress fast. Early Detection and Early Intervention is key. Do not delay – Seek Professional Evaluation today
Seeking Professional Evaluation:
If you suspect your child might be struggling with an eating disorder, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery and ensure a positive prognosis.
For more information or support, contact us at Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery (973) 783-2292 and visit our website at www.ResilienceTherapy.com. Our offices are at 33 Plymouth Street, Suite 105, Montclair, NJ 07042, Tel: (973) 783-2292. We offer resources, support, and guidance for families seeking intervention and support around their teens relationship to food and body image
Treatment offered in surrounding towns: Montclair, West Orange, Cedar Grove, Verona, Caldwell, North Caldwell, Wayne, Glen Ridge. Telehealth offered in multiple states.
Having an Eating Disorder is not a Choice…. But Recovery is!
Eating Disorder Awareness Week, 2024 Information is in Partnership with 2024 https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ .This post is part of our commitment to raising awareness about eating disorders and urge early diagnosis and intervention, share this message, and let’s work together to keep our children safe and healthy.
Copyright © Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, 2024
Body Dysmorphia and Its Relationship to Disordered Eating
Body Dysmorphia is a disorder that affects roughly 2.4% of adults in the United States, and even more for adolescents. The common perception of Body Dysmorphia is that it is only related to shape and weight.
Another misunderstood condition is disordered eating or eating disorders. Eating disorders affect up to 10-20% of the population. There is a common misunderstanding that eating disorders are a personal choice, but they are not. No one chooses to struggle with food and weight.
While the two are separate conditions, there is often strong correlation between them. Here’s a deeper look at how Body Dysmorphia can impact a relationship with disordered eating.
What Is Body Dysmorphia?
Body Dysmorphia is a mental health disorder that causes a person to view flaws in themself. Perceived physical flaws and imperfections and often perceive them as bigger problems than they are. In reality, some of these flaws may be very minor they are actually non-existent in the eyes of others.
Individuals Body Dysmorphia can get obsessed with the appearance of their face, hair, skin, musculature, body shape, and even genitalia. Many of these personal experiences are influenced further by the emphasis on physical perfection as portrayed in Social media
The Relationship Between Body Dysmorphia and Disordered Eating
Preoccupation with Appearance
The more common sign of Body Dysmorphia is a preoccupation with physical appearance. In attempts to improve appearance or make faster, more significant changes, a person may engage in disordered eating. As this perseveration on perceived flaws continues over time, the eating disorder can transform and get worse.
Fear of Judgment
Aside from their own preoccupation with appearance, there is also this fear of what others think or how other people perceive their appearance. If fear and anxiety are flared up, there can be more likelihood to engage in disordered eating. Restrictive dieting habits are a common strategy to avoid any negative feedback or to try to fit into certain social norms.
Lower Self-Esteem
When someone is living with Body Dysmorphia, they highlight flaws and negative views. They struggle with their own worth and self-esteem. When feeling low, they may take drastic actions to try to compensate, one of which includes diet modifications and unhealthy eating behaviors. The belief is that this will help boost their image and opinions of themselves.
Distorted Body Image
Body dysmorphia leads to unrealistic views about one's body, both in appearance, and overall body image. Negative or distorted body image can promote an unhealthy comparison of oneself to others around them, thus triggering binge eating or restrictive eating to “rectify” the situation, with the illusion that changing ones body image will change ones life.
Coping Strategy
Disordered eating can as a coping mechanism for anxiety, depression, and any negative feelings associated with Body Dysmorphia. The idea of being in control of how food is handled, more than any one person is with themself, can become calming amidst the chaos. It seems like a productive way to handle negative feelings, but it will actually fuel the development of other issues or make those feelings worse.
Social Media
The current state of the world is heavily connected via digital platforms. It creates this “always on” state of mind and it makes comparing your life to friends, family, celebrities, and complete strangers exponentially easier. It also promotes unrealistic and often fabricated realities through people’s selected shared content.
Seeing this idea of what is perfect in your face all the time can amplify body image and self-esteem issues. Social media can serve as a constant trigger for negative thought patterns and unhealthy eating habits to control the situation.
——
Body Dysmorphia is not always linked to eating disorders and vice versa, but they are commonly together. Either way, it is a painful way to live. One or both deserve compassion and expert clinical care. When left untreated, can spiral.
At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, we want you to feel secure in yourself and your appearance, and not compare yourself to anyone else. If you or a loved one believes you are struggling with Body Dysmorphia or an eating disorder, you’re not alone.
Contact us at ResilienceTherapy.com to learn more about our evidenced-based treatments like eating disorder therapy for healing and recovery. Remember... Eating Disorders are not a choice... but recovery is.
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How Eating Disorders Affect the Brain
Eating disorders extend their effects far beyond the physical body. While significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies are often the most visible signs, these disorders also have profound and lasting effects on brain function. Understanding these impacts is crucial for fostering recovery and addressing the multifaceted nature of eating disorders.
Disruption of Neurotransmitter Balance
Eating disorders significantly disrupt the brain’s chemical balance. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are vital for regulating mood, emotions, and cognitive processes, become imbalanced. This disruption often manifests as heightened anxiety, depression, and mood instability. These symptoms can perpetuate the disorder, creating a cycle that deepens emotional distress and hinders recovery efforts.
Cognitive Impairments
The brain relies on consistent nutrient intake to sustain optimal function. Malnutrition caused by restrictive eating disrupts this supply, leading to impaired cognitive processes. Individuals with eating disorders often experience difficulties with memory, concentration, and decision-making. These challenges not only affect daily functioning but may also persist even after physical recovery, underscoring the long-term effects of nutritional deficiencies on brain health.
Reduction in Brain Volume
Prolonged malnutrition has been linked to structural changes in the brain, including a reduction in brain volume. Research indicates that areas responsible for complex thought processes and emotional regulation are particularly affected. These structural changes can contribute to ongoing cognitive and emotional difficulties, even after treatment and nutritional restoration.
Emotional Dysregulation
Individuals with eating disorders often experience significant difficulties in regulating emotions. Known as emotional dysregulation, this condition presents as severe mood swings, heightened irritability, and an exaggerated response to stress. Such challenges can impair daily functioning and often drive maladaptive behaviors, further entrenching the disorder.
Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors
Eating disorders alter the brain’s reward and control systems, leading to persistent preoccupations with food, body image, and weight. These obsessions often result in compulsive behaviors, such as excessive exercise or rigid dietary restrictions. Altered brain chemistry perpetuates these patterns, creating a feedback loop that is difficult to break without professional intervention.
Dysfunction in the Brain’s Reward System
The brain’s reward system, which governs feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, becomes severely impaired in individuals with eating disorders. Activities that once brought joy—such as engaging in hobbies, social interactions, or dining—often lose their appeal. Instead, maladaptive behaviors associated with the disorder provide distorted gratification, making recovery more complex.
Chronic Stress Response
Eating disorders frequently activate an overactive stress response in the brain. This heightened state of stress exacerbates anxiety and other mental health conditions. The persistent activation of the brain’s fight-or-flight mechanism places considerable strain on the mind and body, further complicating recovery.
Long-Term Neurological Impacts
Even after recovery, some individuals may experience residual effects on brain function. Persistent difficulties with mood regulation, anxiety, and cognitive performance are not uncommon. However, the brain’s neuroplasticity—the ability to adapt and reorganize itself—offers hope. With appropriate interventions, many of these effects can be mitigated over time.
Increased Risk of Neurological Conditions
Severe cases of eating disorders, particularly those involving chronic malnutrition, significantly increase the risk of neurological complications. For example, individuals with anorexia nervosa are at a heightened risk for seizures, underscoring the urgency of timely intervention and comprehensive treatment.
The Path to Recovery
Eating disorders impact both the brain and the body in profound ways. However, recovery is possible. The brain’s neuroplasticity allows it to heal and adapt when supported with proper nutrition and targeted interventions.
At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, we bring over 25 years of expertise in helping individuals overcome restrictive eating disorders, including anorexia and ARFID. Comprehensive treatment—encompassing medical, nutritional, and psychological care—is essential for restoring both physical health and cognitive function.
If you or a loved one is struggling, take the first step toward recovery. Schedule a consultation today at ResilienceTherapy.com. Together, we can work toward healing and renewed well-being.
What Causes Emotional Eating?
Emotional eating is when you use food as a coping mechanism for those not-so-great feelings. You may not actually be hungry, but you've got an urge to munch on something—usually comfort foods that are high in calories, sugar, or fat.
But when emotional eating becomes your go-to coping mechanism, it can be problematic. You might turn to food when you're stressed, bored, or feeling down. For some folks, this pattern can lead to a cycle of guilt and shame. Remember, food can't fix feelings—it's just a temporary distraction.
If you find yourself constantly eating to cope, it might be time to explore other ways to manage your emotions. Understanding this behavior is the first step in addressing it and finding healthier ways to cope with your feelings.
Common Causes of Emotional Eating
Emotional eating is often triggered by various factors in your daily life.
Emotional Triggers:
- Negative emotions: Stress, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, boredom, frustration, anger, and guilt can all lead people to turn to food for comfort or distraction.
- Positive emotions: Food can be associated with positive emotions too, like celebrating with dessert, enjoying a comforting meal, or rewarding yourself.
Internal Factors:
- Diet: Restrictive diets or a history of dieting can create feelings of deprivation and lead to emotional eating as a form of rebellion or binging.
- Lack of awareness: Not being attuned to your emotions can make it difficult to distinguish between emotional hunger (a craving for comfort) and physical hunger (your body's need for fuel).
- Emotional processing difficulties: People who struggle with understanding or expressing their emotions (alexithymia) or managing emotions effectively (emotion dysregulation) may be more prone to emotional eating as a coping mechanism.
External Factors:
- Stressful life events: Major life changes, work pressures, financial problems, relationship issues, or even negative experiences in childhood can all trigger emotional eating.
- Habits: Emotional eating patterns can become ingrained habits. For instance, someone who grew up using food as a reward or comfort might continue this pattern in adulthood.
- Social cues: Food is often a central part of social gatherings and celebrations. Social pressures to eat, even when not physically hungry, can contribute to emotional eating.
For Every Diet, there is an Equal and Opposite Binge
This is the law of experiencing normalized eating. Regular eating. You might not realize it, but there are other things that can push you towards emotional eating, such as being too hungry. Ever been on a super strict diet? That can backfire big time. When you're constantly depriving yourself, and putting yourself into states of hunger, you can end up rebelling against those food rules and diving headfirst into emotional or binge eating. Antidote? Regular eating, no skipping meals!
Another sneaky culprit? Not being in tune with your emotions. If you can't tell the difference between actual hunger and just feeling down, you might find yourself reaching for snacks when what you really need is a good cry or a chat with a friend.
- Boredom eating: Mindless snacking while bored can be a form of emotional eating.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired can lead to cravings for sugary or high-carb foods for a quick energy boost, even if not truly hungry.
Managing and Overcoming Emotional Eating
Tackling emotional eating isn't easy, but it's totally doable. Start by keeping a food diary to spot your triggers. When you feel the urge to stress-eat, try some deep breathing or go for a quick walk instead. It's all about finding healthier ways to cope with your feelings.
Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up—it happens to everyone. The key is to learn from it and move on. Reach out to friends or a therapist for support when you need it. Remember, food isn't the enemy here, and it cannot control you. It's about feeling empowered and building a better relationship with both food and your emotions.
Speak to an Emotional Eating Therapist for support. At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery. we are here to help you determine whether it's stress, boredom, or deeper psychological issues triggering you to emotionally eat. Through targeted and effective methods such as CBT-E and DBT, your Resilience therapist will teach you way to help you start to build healthier coping mechanisms and find true freedom from emotional eating. For our eating disorder therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults, visit us at ResilienceTherapy.com
When “Healthy” Eating Turns Harmful: Early Detection of Eating Disorders in Teens
As parents and caregivers, it may feel natural to feel proud when our teens take an interest in healthy eating and exercise, especially in the world of competitive sports. You may even be envious of their willpower, especially if you have struggled with your own relationship to food and body image. However, this pride can quickly turn to concern when the new “healthy” habits become extreme, and the thinking becomes obsessive. It may even take you a while to wrap your mind around these perplexing changes in your teen. You may even experience some confusion about whether this is part of normal adolescence… or it is not…
Adolescents, especially teen athletes in weight-related sports, are particularly susceptible to eating disorders. The stakes are high to get into college, academics are stressful, and social media is relentless and insidious. For teen athletes, The pressure to perform, combined with societal and social media unrealistic and Eurocentric ideals around body image, plus any genetic predispositions, can create a perfect storm for these serious conditions to develop.
Early Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Paying attention to the early warning signs of eating disorders can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes. Here are some red flags to watch for in your child:
20 Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Teens:
- Eating, once carefree, becomes overly cautious
- Skipping meals, especially lunch at school
- Thinness without vibrancy
- Overconcern about nutritional content of foods
- Cutting our food groups deemed not to be “healthy”
- Rejection of the foods of one’s cultural heritage
- New reluctance to eat with family, friends, and in public
- Increasing preoccupation around body image, thinness, and a flat tummy.
- Connecting self-worth to body shape/size; unable to see one’s own beauty.
- Constantly comparing, fears about being teased, distorted negative body image.
- Delayed puberty or regression in puberty, such as amenorrhea
- Rapid plunge or increase in weight, regardless of starting body size or BMI.
- Adult-like mindset to “dieting”, disconnected from the need for a child or teen to grow and mature.
- Obsessive ritualistic behaviors around food, sneaking food, micro biting, etc.
- Falling off one’s own growth curves; failure to reach Expected Weight/Height
- Excessive exercise with the intent to alter one’s natural body shape.
- “Picky”, selective eating that does not resolve.
- Bulimic symptoms – purging or using laxatives.
- Increase in anxiety, depression, even suicidal ideation
- Medical symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, low heart rate, low body temperature, weakness, gastric, and bowel discomforts
Eating Disorders remain one of the most lethal of the psychiatric illnesses. The medium onset of anorexia has dropped from 14 years of age to 12 years of age. Children as young as 6 years old are concerned about being “fat”. Boys and children from all ethnic/cultural backgrounds experience negative body image concerns. Bullying around body size and shape is now becoming the most common form of bullying in middle school.
Regardless of body size, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa have serious medical and mental health consequences. Restrictive Eating Disorders will have medical complications that are the direct result of starvation and weight loss. Children and Adolescents who are diagnosed with Atypical Anorexia, are children who begin in larger bodies or higher weight bodies. These children can suffer the same if not more, from a severe and rapid plunge with weight loss. The heart and all organs are compromised with starvation, regardless of body size. The brain is one of the primary organs impacted by starvation, which impacts mood, anxiety, and mental health in general.
What are the dangers of dieting and restricting of intake in children and teens.
10 Reasons why Children should not Diet... Ever!
- Children and Adolescents follow a predictable pattern of growth that determines the growth and health of all organs, brain matter, and their entire skeletal system.
- Dieting and weight loss in children can have potential irreversible impact on both physical and emotional growth
- 40-60-% of peak bone mass is accrued during adolescents
- Compromised Bone Health can lead to a lifetime of increased fracture risk.
- Starving is damaging to the heart and causes bradycardia.
- Brain is under development until age 25. Emotional maturity can be stunted, as can growth
- During Puberty, nutritional and hormonal factors play a major development in Bone Development
- The oestrogens, Estrogen and Testosterone, are thought to play a key role in increasing and maintaining bone mass in adolescent males and females
- Anorexia and Bulimia can come with an increased risk of suicidal ideation
- Without proper intervention, an acute eating disorder turns into a chronic eating disorder
An Eating Disorder in Teens is characterized by a lot of ‘excuses’. “I am not hungry”. “I already ate”. I “This is not healthy” “I need to take a shower right after dinner. “No one eats lunch! it is not cool!” And food groups begin to drop off their list of acceptable foods…
Early Intervention is the Key – If you see an eating disorder specialist, especially one trained in FBT, they will help you intervene early in this process. The goal is to prevent acute symptoms from becoming chronic.
Around the Globe, Family Based Treatment is considered First-Line-of-Treatment
Family-Based Treatment (FBT)
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) has emerged, internationally, as one of the most effective methods for treating eating disorders in young people. This approach involves the family directly in the recovery process, empowering parents to guide their child back to health. Turning the ship around, back in the direction it came from, when eating was more carefree.
FBT is a protocol in 3 phases:
Phase 1 – Weight Restoration: The family takes control of the teen’s restrictive eating habits, by supervising and supporting fuller nutrition and intake to stop the downward weight loss spiral and begin to “weight restore”. Parents temporarily stop calorie –burning exercise and intervene with eating disorder symptoms, such as throwing food away, pushing food around the plate, or purging.
Parents lend their child their “Wise Mind” when their child’s thinking is so impaired and irrational.
Phase 2 – Begin to return control and choices to the adolescent:
After a teen has made a lot of progress returning to their own growth curve and is eating well, the control of their eating is gradually returned back to the teen ,with ongoing family support. Flexibility and exposure work is encouraged here. Reintroducing foods and eating in new places is encouraged. Full nutrition with all food groups represented here, is key .
Phase 3 – Establishing Healthy Independence: In phase 3, the focus shifts to establishing normal adolescent development and healthy, independent eating habits. Full mental and physical weight restoration occurs here. For a child or a teen, these numbers are a moving target. We are looking here for “State not Weight”, meaning full mental health recovery may need more than the minimum acceptable medical weight.
Families don’t cause eating disorders, they are the best allies of recovery
FBT, around the globe, is considered the Gold Standard for pediatric and adolescent eating disorders. A good eating disorder specialist will help you decide whether outpatient care is best for your child right now, or if you need a higher level of care, if this is assessed to be the best step for your child now. Either way, Eating Disorder Treatment, when done right, and done early, can lead to lasting and positive outcomes for your child.
Families don’t cause eating disorders, they are the best source of support. Don’t let an early acute course of an eating disorder become a chronic course. Your involvement can change this course.
Resilience Golden Rule for Early Intervention: Intervene!
For every pound your child loses, they move toward medical danger. For every pound your child's weight restores, they move away from medical danger.
Eating Disorders progress fast. Early Detection and Early Intervention is key. Do not delay – Seek Professional Evaluation today
Seeking Professional Evaluation:
If you suspect your child might be struggling with an eating disorder, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery and ensure a positive prognosis.
For more information or support, contact us at Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery (973) 783-2292 and visit our website at www.ResilienceTherapy.com. Our offices are at 33 Plymouth Street, Suite 105, Montclair, NJ 07042, Tel: (973) 783-2292. We offer telehealth treatment in states listed on our website. We offer resources, support, and guidance for families seeking intervention and support around their teens relationship to food and body image
Having an Eating Disorder is not a Choice…. But Recovery is!
Eating Disorder Awareness Week, 2024 Information is in Partnership with 2024 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week .This post is part of our commitment to raising awareness about eating disorders and urge early diagnosis and intervention, share this message, and let’s work together to keep our children safe and healthy.
Copyright © Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, 2024
The Perfect Union: Integrating FBT & DBT Skills Training for a Comprehensive Approach to Anorexia/Eating Disorder Treatment
As a parent, navigating your child’s eating disorder recovery can be an overwhelming and emotional journey. Parents come to us, already have been given so many opinions on methods and level of care for their child. At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, we understand the importance of finding the right therapeutic approach and support for your family, and intervening as early as possible. Resilience Therapy offers only Evidenced Based Treatment means treatment backed by science and research. Integrating adherent Family-Based Treatment (FBT) with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training can offer a comprehensive and powerful wrap-around treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique recovery needs, especially when extra support for co-occurring mental health symptoms are indicated.
Family Based Treatment is considered to be The Gold Standard Treatment for Pediatric and Adolescent Eating Disorders
Understanding FBT
Family-Based Treatment (FBT), or the Maudsley Approach is an evidence-based approach that is considered First-Line-of-Treatment. Around the globe, It is considered to be the Gold Standard for the Early Intervention of Pediatric and Adolescent Eating Disorders. FBT empowers parents to take an active role in their child’s refeeding providing them with the tools and support they need to help their child overcome their eating disorder and keep their child in the least restrictive environment – your home!
For an early intervention of an eating disorder, FBT is designed to be a complete and final treatment. FBT is a protocol of approximately 20 sessions that take place over 6-12 months, beginning weekly. The practice of Family Based Treatment is an advanced eating disorder certification, and the FBT provider an already seasoned individual and family Eating Disorder therapist. The FBT protocol promotes efficient progress, and is tailored and customized for every child and each family system. The treatment from start to finish occurs in 3 phases:
Phase 1 – Refeeding/Weight Restoration. Parents take charge and plate all meals and snacks and temporarily halt calorie burning exercise and eating disorder behaviors
Phase 2 – Gradually Transition Control of eating back to the Child/Teen
Phase 3 – Treatment Termination and focus on Age-Appropriate Adolescent Issues Establishment upon full weight and mental health recovery.
“There is no witch as mean as my eating disorder voices”
FBT can be an excruciating process, in the beginning The child or teen with a starved anorexic brain will fight against being fed. They have internal voices telling them “ Don’t eat this, it will make you fat” . “You are not worthy” , etc. As an empathic parent, you may want to listen to these statements and accommodate. Your child is in pain and you want to be sensitive. However, these words may come out of your child’s mouth, but they are not really your child but the words of an illness that is trying to take over your child.
During intake, we often ask a child or teen to give their eating disorder voice an image or a character, like an animal, or a type of weather or a Disney Character. When asked, for a metaphor, one little girl told therapist and her family, “There is no witch who is as mean as my eating disorder voices” . Her mother who spoke very little English, understood this, and burst into tears.
In early refeeding, every bite can be excruciating. The child needing to weight restore needs 3 meals and 3 snacks per day, and the parents take on a similar role as an inpatient or PHP staff, and have to be firm about meal and snack completion. Temporarily, refeeding is an all consuming process and can be an exhausting process for parents. But FBT research shows, renourishment is most successful when conducted by the people who love the child the most… his or her parents.
How does DBT Skill Training help the FBT Treatment?
FBT is designed to be a complete treatment for anorexia, but when there are co-occurring or unsafe mental health symptoms, such as suicidal ideation or self-harm urges, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another evidence-based therapy that offers safety and support to the treatment. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. DBT is a comprehensive system of coping skills and DBT focuses on four key skill areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help individuals better understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and actions, promoting healthier choices and improved relationships.
DBT is The Most Comprehensive Curriculum of Coping Skills we have today
The Compatibility of FBT & DBT: A Powerful Combination
FBT and DBT complement each other well, providing a comprehensive approach to eating disorders and mental health treatment. Here’s how these two therapies work together:
FBT focuses on renourishment to restore brain function and logical thinking, while empowering the parents to take charge. FBT is a cutting edge approach. Waiting for the starving person to want recovery or be insightful is an approach over the years that has led to a deepening of the eating disorder.
DBT offers coping skills training at the same time that FBT supports the eating disorder recovery process. By combining both approaches, treatment can address both the process of renourishment and provide coping skills for both teen and for parents to surf through the 3 stages of FBT, safely. DBT skills can enhance the effectiveness of FBT by helping parents and children better manage emotions, communicate more effectively, and cope with distressing refeeding moments
Both FBT and DBT have much in common. They are both transparent methods that allow family members to work effectively together. By helping to prioritize collaboration and validation, a supportive therapeutic environment is created that fosters trust and open communication, and moves the treatment forward to completion.
FBT and DBT can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, allowing for flexibility and customization of the treatment.
Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery: Your Partner in FBT & DBT Treatment
At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, our skilled therapists specialize in both FBT and DBT, providing a comprehensive and evidence-based treatment approach for your family. We understand the unique challenges faced by parents and children navigating eating disorder recovery, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
By combining the strengths of FBT and DBT, your family can benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the emotional and behavioral aspects of eating disorders. This powerful union can help your child achieve lasting recovery while fostering healthier family dynamics and communication.
The compatibility of FBT and DBT offers an innovative and comprehensive approach to eating disorder treatment. By combining these evidence-based therapies, Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, we can support your family in overcoming the challenges of eating disorder recovery and promoting lasting healing. Reach out to Resilience today to learn more about our comprehensive approach and how we can help your child and family on the path to recovery.
EXPERIENCE HOPE!
Copyright © Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, 2024
Discovering the Path to Recovery: Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery - Montclair, New Jersey’s Premier Eating Disorder & DBT Therapy Provider
In the vibrant and diverse town of Montclair, New Jersey, a beacon of hope and healing shines brightly for individuals grappling with eating disorders and emotional distress. Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery stands out as an established practice for compassionate evidenced based care in the mental health community. This dedicated facility has garnered a reputation for being a premiere provider of Evidenced-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Resilience offers a guiding light to children, adolescents, and adults, seeking a path to eating recovery and mental health resilience.
A Journey Towards Resilience
When it comes to navigating the complexities of eating disorders and mental health vulnerabilities, the journey toward recovery moves well through stages with proper treatment and the right trusting therapeutic relationships. Effective treatment is a transformative experience that accesses and captures ones inner resilience. At Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery, the core belief is that everyone has the innate strength to overcome their struggles. With a team of highly skilled therapists, this practice has established both a comprehensive Eating Disorder Recovery Program and Comprehensive DBT program for Mental Health Resilience. Eating Disorder Recovery Program utilizes FBT and CBT-E that addresses not only the symptoms but also the maintaining factors that contribute to eating disorders. The Comprehensive DBT Skills Program addresses the coping skills needed for mental health recovery.
The Cornerstone of Eating Recovery
Resilience is not just a name. It is the cornerstone of the practice’s treatment philosophy and their clinical outcomes. Full recovery is possible. Every new client participates in an expert eating disorder evaluation to develop their individualized recovery care plan. .These care plans are meticulously crafted to empower clients, helping them disconnect from the power the eating disorder has held on them, to live a life free from an eating disorder. This freedom from an eating disorder involves a newfound strength and self-compassion. The targeted evidenced-based approaches of FBT, CBT-E, and DBT ensures that each person’s unique journey through eating disorder recovery, is met with an equally customized but proven effective treatment strategy. Recovery from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphia deserves the best.
Expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Why is Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery considered the best for DBT therapy? The answer lies in their unwavering commitment to evidence-based practices and the continuous professional development of their staff. Resilience DBT Therapists have advanced post-graduate training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, from Behavioral Tech, the training institute of Marcia Linehan. This training possess a deep understanding of the delicate interplay between emotional regulation and optimal coping. Recovery from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, deserve the very best. Both individuals and families have found lasting recovery from Resilience’s Comprehensive DBT Program, for adolescents, young adults, and adults. The expertise at Resilience Therapy helps to lay a foundation in assisting individuals to develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and nurture a positive self-image.
Evidenced-Based Treatment
The Resilience team are trained in cutting edge methods for both eating disorders and mental health. Evidenced Based means treatment and protocols backed by science and research, not leaving your mental health to chance. The cutting edge treatments are focused, targeted, and time limited. Family Based Treatment is considered the Gold Standard for children, adolescents, and young adults seeking recovery from an Eating Disorder. Around the globe, FBT is considered First-Line-of-Treatment for Pediatric and Adolescent Eating Disorders. Our clinicians are trained in CBT-E, from the U.K. a time-limited eating disorder treatment for older adolescents and adults. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, is comprehensive method for both co-occurring mental health problems.
The Power of the Family
At Resilience Therapy , the family is not seen as the problem, but as integral part of the solution. Recognizing the power and resilience of each family system, children and Parents learn body positivity as a family. When families learn the DBT coping skills together in our Multi-Family DBT Skills groups, family members, learn to validate each other, thus improve family communication and closeness. A parent who feels effective, has the bandwidth to support their child in a way that no one else can.
A Supportive Community in Montclair
Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery extends its impact beyond individual therapy by fostering a supportive community right in the heart of Montclair, New Jersey. This sense of community is crucial, as recovery from eating disorders is not a solitary endeavor. The facility offers group therapy sessions, workshops, and support groups, all designed to create a network of support that clients can rely on throughout their recovery journey. Resilience supports many community organizations that support the health of the families in our state - the Traumatic Coalition of New Jersey, Good Grief, Garden State Concerns of Police Survivors, Breaking the Chain thru Education, Jazz House Kids, to name a few.
Holistic , Mind-Body Approach to Healing
Understanding that eating disorders and mental health effect both mind and body, Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery adopts a holistic approach to healing. Clients are encouraged to engage in practices in their daily lives that enhance their overall well-being, such as mindfulness, yoga, and other stress-reduction techniques. By integrating these practices into the treatment plan, clients are given the tools to achieve balance and maintain their progress long after they leave the therapy room. The self-care skills that are established, are built to last.
Successful Outcomes
The success stories emanating from Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery serve as a testament to the facility's effectiveness. Clients consistently report not only lasting improvements in their relationship to food and body image, a reduction in eating disorder pre-occupations around food and body image, but truly increasing their quality of life and enjoyment in what really matters. The Resilience practice is now in their 3rd decade of seeing individuals to full and complete recovery from an eating disorder and mental health symptoms. Individuals stepping down from Higher Levels of Care, find a new home at Resilience, and through relapse prevention, move forward with their lives, rather than return to a hospital or PHP.
An Invitation to Resilience Therapy
For anyone struggling with an eating disorder, the journey to recovery can start today. Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery in Montclair, New Jersey, stands ready to help you embark on this transformative journey. With their expertise, compassion, and commitment to your well-being, they are not just the best choice for Eating Disorder Treatment and DBT therapy—they are your partners in resilience and recovery.
Embrace the Journey with Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery
If you or a loved one is in need of support for eating disorder or mental health symptoms. do not hesitate to reach out to Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery. Schedule that intake today. In the heart of Montclair, a brighter future free from the grips of eating disorders and mental health symptoms awaits. It begins with resilience and the right therapeutic plan. Don’t delay. Your life matters.
In Montclair, New Jersey, the path to recovery is illuminated by the dedication and expertise of Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery. Embrace the journey, and take the first step towards a resilient life today.
Resilience DBT and Eating Recovery provides clinical services for families in our wonderful towns in New Jersey
Montclair, Verona, Caldwell, North Caldwell, Cedar Grove, West Orange, Livingston, Glen Ridge, Maplewood, South Orange, Chatham, Millburn, Wayne, Parsippany, Princeton, Summit, Florham Park, Montvale, Hackensack, Passaic, Mountain Lakes
Gender Inclusive * Culturally Compassionate
Unmasking the Silent Battle: Kerry Washington's Brave Revelation and the Universality of Eating Disorders
Unmasking the Silent Battle: Kerry Washington’s Brave Revelation and the Universality of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders don’t discriminate. Eating Disorders affect individuals regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, age, and body size. Recently celebrity Kerry Washington bravely shared in recent interview, her personal battle with an eating disorder and perfectionism, that escalated when she was a college student. Her story highlights the darkness and scariness of an eating disorder, that can culminate in suicidality.
We thank Ms. Washington for giving up her personal privacy to remind us that eating disorders left untreated and unrecognized, can progress at an alarming and frightening pace. Let’s support each other in our journeys towards body positivity, good self-esteem, and mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is dealing with an eating disorder, consider exploring the expert clinical services offered by Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery – licensed in NJ, NY, MD and FL. Visit ResilienceTherapy.com Together, we can promote Eating Disorder Recovery and Mental Health Resilience.
Source: https://people.com/kerry-washington-contemplated-suicide-eating-disorder-7972621
Mastering Parenthood: How DBT Skills Can Transform Your Parenting & Support Your Child's Recovery
What is one of the first things you are told after you board an airplane?
“Take the air mask and place it over your own mouth before helping a child” This is one of the fundamental principles DBT teaches parents. Your own self-care is crucial. You cannot pour from an empty cup. When you have mastered and modeled your own emotion regulation and stress management skills, your child will do better.
As a mother or a father, you’re always looking for the best ways to support and nurture your child. When your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or an eating disorder, the challenge becomes even more significant. Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, a leading provider of Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy is here to help you understand the benefits of DBT and how it can both support you as a parent, and have a positive and lasting impact on your child’s recovery journey.
What is DBT?
DBT is the Most Comprehensive Curriculum of Coping Skills we have today!
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy techniques with mindfulness practices and has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions – anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. Dialectical Behavior Therapy was developed by Dr. Linehan for individuals with serious mental health symptoms. It is now widely used to promote coping skills with individuals with mental health and medical health concerns. DBT has now been developed as a Prevention Model for children, be sure to read DBT in Schools by Dr. James Mazza and Dr. Elizabeth Mazza.
We are doing the best we can…. AND we have to try harder….
DBT promotes self-compassion in parents – to understand that they are doing the best they can AND always want to find new ways to improve. DBT gives parents the tools to master parenthood in novel ways. Each day and each stage of childhood brings new challenges for a parent. You may still be looking for that manual that you felt you should have been given when you had your newborn. DBT skills training can give you a way to increase your coping skills and your interpersonal effectiveness, and those in your child.
While we are on the topic of compassion, let’s bear in mind that your parents did not receive a parenting manual upon your birth, either. Your parents did the best they could, at the time, with what they knew, and with what they were given. It takes some folks, a lifetime to accept that. If your goal is to do even better than the generation before you did, Dialectical Behavior Therapy can teach you coping skills you may never have been taught.
What are the 5 DBT Coping Skills? How can they help me be a better parent?
DBT focuses on five key Coping Skill areas: Core Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Middle Path. These skills help both parents and children, better understand their emotions, thoughts, feelings, and actions, allowing both you and your child to cope better and become more resilient, make better choices, and have effective communication skills.
Core Mindfulness: This skill helps you stay in the moment. Today’s pressures push parents and teens to be multi-taskers more than ever, and lose sight of true quality time with our children. Quality time can happen anywhere. I bet your child has caught you being distracted and not listening. What does that feel like? Being present and focused is another important skill for parents to model. Understanding the concepts of Emotion Mind, Reasonable Mind and Wise Mind, is a great strategy to helping a parent to not overreact and to not engage a teenager in a powerful struggle.
Emotion Regulation: DBT teaches an individual how to identify when one is experiencing intense emotions that can be difficult to manage. DBT skills teaches one to identify when they are in Emotion Mind. What happens when you overreact? How does that impact your child? Make things better or worse? Air mask on first! When you have a handle on your raw emotions, your child will do better.
Distress Tolerance: DBT helps your child develop skills to tolerate and cope with distressing situations without resorting to self harm or eating disorder disorder behaviors. When you, as the parent, are able to calm your own emotions, and develop your own distress tolerance skills, your child will have you as a role model. Everyone in the family can find new and improved ways to cope with distress and discomfort.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT focuses on improving communication and assertiveness skills, which can help your child express their needs and set boundaries in relationships. Assertiveness Training is the DEAR MAN Skill. The GIVE and FAST skills are the Validation Skills. Your own training in DBT Validation Skills, has been described as a Game-Changer by many of the parents we have worked with. What happens to adolescent power struggle when you calmly validate your child’s feelings and don’t overreact?
Middle Path – DBT is founded on the concept of Dialectics. Dialectics is where two ideas or views seem opposite, but both can be true. The truth is in the middle. There is always more than one way to see a situation and more than one way to solve a problem. Finding the middle path truth is a great strategy in developing positive peer and family relationships, for you and for your child.
Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery: Your Partner in DBT for Mental Health Resiliency and Eating Disorder Recovery
At Resilience , our compassionate and skilled therapists have dual specialty the Treatment of Eating Disorders and in DBT for mental health conditions, the anxiety disorder, mood disorders, trauma, grief/loss.. We understand the unique challenges faced by mothers and fathers in supporting a child in recovery. Our Comprehensive DBT program ensures that you and your child receive the guidance and support needed to develop essential coping skills and promote lasting recovery.
Adherent DBT for adolescents, offered at Resilience, is the Multi-Family Skills Group model. By mastering DBT skills along with your child, you both can gain a better mastery of emotions and access your inner resilience. As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child’s recovery journey. Resilience is here to support you every step of the way.
As a parent, supporting your child’s journey from an eating disorder or mental health condition. can be challenging and exhausting but DBT offers a powerful and evidence-based approach to help you learn, re-learn and model coping skills as you regain control by putting your air mask on first, and as you guide your child to put on their own air mask. The end result is to achieve a healthier, happier family life. Reach out to Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery today to learn more about our DBT and DBT-ED programs. We are here to support your family to enhance your unique strengths as a family.
Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery
Gender-Inclusive ∙ Culturally Compassionate