Our therapists offer eating disorder therapy in Allentown, PA

Therapy and Counseling for Anorexia or Bulimia in Allentown, PA

Anorexia and bulimia are serious psychiatric disorders with severe health consequences. Without treatment, they can be deadly, with anorexia having the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. However, effective treatments are available, involving nutritional, medical, and psychological professionals.

If you or someone you love is fighting bulimia or anorexia, know that you are not alone. Thriveworks Allentown offers therapy to provide professional, holistic care. Give our office a call at (484) 246-8451 to schedule your session today.

What Are Bulimia and Anorexia?

Anorexia Nervosa:

• Fear of gaining weight
• Consuming less food than needed, leading to dangerously low body weight
• Inaccurate perception of body shape and weight

Bulimia Nervosa:

• Unhealthy behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as extreme exercising, laxative misuse, inducing vomiting, or fasting
• Repeated binge eating, characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period and losing control during binges
• Self-image dominated by body size and weight

Both disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and often coexist with depression or anxiety. Their causes can be categorized into biological and environmental factors:

• Biological Causes: Genetics, irregular hormone functions, nutritional deficiencies
• Environmental Causes: Childhood trauma or abuse, peer pressure, cultural obsession with thinness and unrealistic beauty standards

Interconnected Health Challenges

Eating disorders often result in severe health challenges.

Anorexia can lead to:

• Menstrual cycle disruptions
• Infertility
• Osteoporosis
• Anemia
• Endocrine system issues
• Low blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Heart disease
• Kidney damage
• Death

Bulimia can cause:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Kidney damage
• Tooth decay
• Ulcers
• Gastric rupture
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Constipation
• Heart failure

Counseling for Bulimia and Anorexia

Seeking professional treatment for bulimia or anorexia is crucial. Thriveworks Allentown provides holistic and individualized care to help clients regain a positive self-perception and healthy eating habits.

If you are fighting bulimia or anorexia, know that you are not alone. Thriveworks Allentown is here to support you and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. Call (484) 246-8451 today to schedule your appointment.