Public awareness is essential to recognize and effectively treat individuals with eating disorders. Did you know that February 26th through March 3rd, 2024 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW)? EDAW is an annual campaign that focuses on educating the public about eating disorders. The goal of EDAW is to provide hope and engage support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders (1). Unbound Recovery is committed to raising awareness so that individuals can receive the help that they need and deserve!
Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening psychiatric illnesses in which individuals experience disturbances in their eating behaviors, related thoughts, and emotions (2). Contrary to some beliefs, eating disorders are not a choice; they are complex medical and psychiatric illnesses, in which biological, environmental, and social elements play a role. Eating disorders commonly co-occur with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder, among others (1). Eating disorder mortality statistics are grim (2):
There are many types of eating disorders (1):
Eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, background, and body size/shape (1). Eating disorders not only impact the individual suffering from the illness; eating disorders emotionally and financially impact families and can strain friendships and relationships.
Additionally, eating disorders may run in families given that there are biological predispositions that make individuals vulnerable to developing an eating disorder (1). Furthermore, this can create additional emotional and financial distress for families.
The prevalence of eating disorders is staggering (2):
Research shows that the earlier the treatment, the better the outcomes for the treatment of eating disorders. Many studies also suggest that only about ⅓ of eating disorders were detected by healthcare providers (3). Identifying and diagnosing an eating disorder requires understanding of how eating disorders present. Eating disorders present physically, mentally, and behaviorally. Some of the common signs and symptoms are listed below (3):
| Physical S/S | Emotional S/S | Behavioral S/S |
| -Significant weight fluctuations -Irregular menstrual cycles or low testosterone -GI Issues (constipation, bloating, cramping, reflux) -Dizziness/fainting -Dry and brittle skin and nails -Hair loss -Feeling cold all the time -Difficulty concentrating -Poor immunity -Muscle weakness -Sleep issues -Dental issues -Cuts and calluses on hands/knuckles | -Fear of gaining weight -Fear of eating in public -Self-worth depends on body shape and size -Preoccupation with food -Obsessive interest in cooking shows or recipes -Social withdrawal -Mood Swings -Significant change in personality -Flat affect or lack of emotions -Heightened depression, anxiety, other mental health conditions -Irritability | -Frequent body checking or self-weighing -Eating small portions or refusing to eat -Eating in secret or hiding food -Disappearing or going to the bathroom after eating -Unusual food rituals -Excessive exercise -Rigidity in behaviors or routines -Wearing baggy clothing -Cooking food for others but not participating |
Because eating disorders present with medical, nutritional, and psychological complications, a collaborative team approach is necessary in the treatment of eating disorders. Common providers involved in the care of an individual include Mental Health Therapist, Dietitian, Primary Care Physician, Psychiatrist, and other professionals as needed.
Unbound Recovery is an outpatient clinic in Manhattan, KS that specializes in the treatment of individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting, body image concerns, and coexisting mental health conditions. Unbound Recovery has both mental health therapists and dietitians who collaborate with outside providers to establish a team approach for the treatment of eating disorders. Our providers have received specialized training in eating disorders and are currently working towards becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).
There are a variety of eating disorder treatment strategies that our providers utilize:
Our providers will also assess and make recommendations for higher level of care, if needed. Higher level of care includes Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Residential facilities. We will also coordinate with the care teams to assist with admission and throughout their care in these programs until discharge and return to our care. The closest higher level of care programs to our area include Kansas City, Denver, St. Louis, and Tulsa.
Our providers can connect clients with additional resources and educational materials regarding higher level of care facilities, eating disorder educational materials, and support resources in the community.
Unbound Recovery also provides two free support groups on Monday evenings, including a support group for loved ones of those who struggle with eating disorders and a support group for those in recovery.
We are also currently hiring another therapist. Both part-time and full-time options are available, flexible scheduling, and we provide eating disorder treatment training for providers. For full position details, please visit: https://www.indeed.com/job/outpatient-therapist-d78c77be65d3f7e4.
Unbound Recovery is an outpatient clinic that specializes in the treatment of individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, chronic dieting, body image concerns, and coexisting mental health conditions. Unbound Recovery provides both therapy and nutrition counseling services. All of our therapists and registered dietitian nutritionists are currently working on their certification to become Certified Eating Disorder Specialists (CEDS). We accept most major insurances. Currently, we are accepting new clients at both our Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS Locations!
