What is Orthorexia Nervosa?
Orthorexia nervosa is a term used to describe an unhealthy obsession with consuming only “pure” or “healthy” foods. While not officially recognized as an eating disorder in diagnostic manuals, orthorexia can have similar consequences and share traits with recognized eating disorders. People with orthorexia may become overly preoccupied with the quality and purity of their food, rigidly following strict dietary rules, and avoiding foods they perceive as “unhealthy” or “impure.”
This fixation on “clean eating” can lead to social isolation, malnutrition, and a decreased quality of life. Orthorexia may also result in anxiety and feelings of guilt or shame when deviating from self-imposed dietary rules. Treatment for orthorexia typically involves addressing the underlying psychological factors, promoting a more balanced and flexible approach to eating, and providing guidance on proper nutrition.
What Causes Orthorexia Nervosa?
The exact causes of orthorexia nervosa are not well understood, but several factors may contribute to its development:
- Societal and cultural influences: Emphasis on “clean eating” and wellness culture can promote idealized health and purity through food.
- Personality traits: Perfectionistic tendencies, obsessive-compulsive traits, or a high need for control may increase susceptibility.
- Psychological factors: Anxiety, low self-esteem, or a history of disordered eating can predispose individuals to orthorexia.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to specific dietary beliefs, trends, or communities promoting rigid food rules or extreme dietary restrictions.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of eating disorders may increase the likelihood of developing orthorexia.
These factors do not guarantee the development of orthorexia but can increase an individual’s vulnerability, and a combination of factors may contribute to the condition in different individuals.
How We Treat
Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery are a team of Outpatient Eating Disorder Therapists in New Jersey, Florida, Maryland. Since Orthorexia Nervosa is not yet an official diagnosis and therefore lacks specific criterion, people frequently are misdiagnosed with other eating disorders and don’t receive the proper treatment. Resilience Therapy Collaborative has constructed services that bring lasting benefits by working with emotional regulation, distress, tolerance, core mindfulness, and interpersonal skills. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is primarily utilized to address symptoms that are endured with Orthorexia Nervosa.
Health Risks Associated With
Orthorexia Nervosa
At Resilience DBT & Eating Recovery, we provide Orthorexia Nervosa treatment for young adults, and adults.
The risks associated with orthorexia nervosa include:
- Malnutrition: Restricting food intake and avoiding certain food groups can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, causing deficiencies and related health issues.
- Impaired immune system: Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Mental health issues: Orthorexia can contribute to anxiety, depression, guilt, and obsessive thoughts about food and health.
- Social isolation: Strict food rules and avoidance of social situations involving food can lead to isolation and a decreased quality of life.
- Increased risk of other eating disorders: Orthorexia can progress to or co-occur with other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
- Disordered eating patterns: Orthorexia can disrupt normal hunger and satiety cues, leading to unhealthy eating habits.
- Physical complications: Malnutrition and lack of essential nutrients can result in various health issues, such as fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and poor bone health.
Addressing orthorexia and promoting a more balanced approach to eating and nutrition is essential to mitigate these risks and improve overall well-being.
Your Eating Disorder Treatment Plan Is Based On Your Unique Needs
We offer evidenced-based therapies, parent training, and family support that meet your needs, fostering your path to recovery. Our Health at Every Size (HAES) approach will help you accept your body and yourself!
FAMILY BASED TREATMENT (FBT)
Family-Based Treatment (FBT) stands as the gold standard for addressing eating disorders in children and adolescents, particularly for early-onset cases of anorexia, bulimia, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).
This well-researched approach places parents at the forefront of their child’s re-nourishment and weight restoration process. Eating disorder recovery can be achieved through this early intervention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Enhanced (CBT) is an ideal approach for older adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders.
This evidenced-based approach is a powerful and effective treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). CBT-E treatment sessions are time-limited, structured, and goal-oriented.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders (DBT-ED)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Eating Disorders is the method of choice for individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental health issues in addition to the eating disorder; such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or PTSD.
This comprehensive treatment method addresses the complexity of these mental health issues, in concert, prioritizing the most dangerous symptoms first.
Full Recovery is Possible
Our comprehensive services include Expressive Arts Therapy, Eating Disorder Recovery Groups, and Meal Support.
At Resilience Therapy, we have been practicing for over 25 years and know that full recovery is possible. When you are finally healed from your eating disorder, you’ll find that a whole world of possibilities will open up to you. Your healing will help free you to be successful, make a difference in the world, and live the life you dream of.
We are here to support and guide you, to help keep your household Body Positive, and to help you or your child reach their full growth potential and blossom the way they should—in mind, body, and soul.
How We Treat
Explore the benefits of an evidence-based approach to therapy
Family Based Treatment (FBT)
FBT, or the Maudsley approach, is a Gold Standard treatment. FBT is a culturally-sensitive method that keeps a child in their family environment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E)
We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Enhanced (CBT-E) to support children, teens, and adolescents struggling with eating disorders
Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Our compassionate and highly skilled therapists are dedicated to helping your loved ones develop emotional resilience, improve their self-esteem, and overcome challenges associated with various eating disorders.
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