Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening psychiatric illnesses in which individuals experience disturbances in their eating behaviors, related thoughts, and emotions (1). 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 (2). They also have life-threatening medical complications.
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). Screening can be an effective method for early detection of eating disorders. The SCOFF Questionnaire is a five-question screening tool used to clarify suspicion that an eating disorder may exist (4). It can be delivered verbally or in written form.
An answer of ‘yes’ to two or more questions warrants further questioning and more comprehensive assessment.
Two additional questions have been shown to indicate a high sensitivity and specificity for bulimia nervosa. These questions indicate a need for further questioning and discussion.
1. Are you satisfied with your eating patterns?
2. Do you ever eat in secret?
Eating disorders present with many medical complications and can be unique to the eating disorder behaviors that the individual participates in, including restrictive behaviors and/or compensatory behaviors (laxatives, diuretics, self-induced vomiting, over-exercise).
| Restrictive Behaviors Complications | Compensatory Behaviors Complications |
| -Gastrointestinal issues -Gastroparesis -Constipation -Stomach Pain -Bloating -GERD -Bone Density Loss -Hypothalamic -Hypogonadism -Hypoglycemia and sudden cardiac death -Bone marrow failure -Liver abnormalities -Skin, hair, nail abnormalities -Starved thinking (rigid, fearful, obsessive thoughts | -Abrupt electrolyte changes and cardiac arrest -Dental damage -Barrett’s esophagus and GERD -Rumination -Gastritis, ulcers, upper GI tract bleeding, esophageal tears -Parotid hypertrophy -Dehydration -Pancreatitis and kidney stones (laxative abuse) -Kidney failure (diuretic abuse) -Pseudo-Bartter Syndrome and rebound edema (when purging stops) -Other complications associated with energy deficiency and malnutrition |
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).
Our providers will often make medical management recommendations to primary care providers to ensure the safety of treatment in the outpatient setting. Recommendations are based on evidence-based resources and the severity of the eating disorder symptoms and behaviors. These recommendations often include the following:
Currently, we are accepting new clients at both our Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS Locations! If you would like to refer clients to us, please fax referral information to: 785-534-5014. We will contact clients and get them scheduled for services. Our providers will provide updates to you on a regular basis. We accept most major insurances and are accepting new clients. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 785-510-3008.
