CCED provides clinically proven treatment for disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder associated with eating disorders. We encourage you to speak with our Trusted Specialist.
Many individuals who are diagnosed with an Eating Disorder will also experience additional mental health disorders. These disorders can be either preexisting, emerge with the Eating Disorder, or emerge when an individual enters recovery from an Eating Disorder.
Many of the characteristics of the following disorders are shared by the Eating Disorder, which can complicate diagnosis until the primary disorder is effectively treated and understood.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by recurrent obsessions that are time consuming and/or cause marked distress or impairment. Obsessions are persistent thoughts or ideas that are experienced as intrusive and are repetitive behaviors. Typically, the person will have realized at some point that the compulsions are excessive or unreasonable.
OCD Treatment
A person diagnosed with an Eating Disorder will only be diagnosed with OCD if there are obsessions and compulsions that are not related to eating or food. Behavioral and pharmacological treatment will typically be required to help treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Depression
Many individuals with an Eating Disorder will also experience Depression. While the link between the two disorders is not well understood, it is imperative for an individual being treated for an Eating Disorder also be evaluated and treated for Depression, to best support the recovery process.
Signs of Depression
Depression is characterized by a "low" or sad mood for a prolonged period of time or irritability in adolescents and children, loss of interest in life activities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, diminished ability to concentrate, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Anxiety Disorders
More than half of all women diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa will also have an Anxiety Disorder. Likewise, there are elevated rates of Anxiety Disorders in women with Anorexia Nervosa. As with depression, it is absolutely key that an individual seeking treatment for an Eating Disorder also be screened and treated for any existing Anxiety Disorders.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Panic Attacks
- Obessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
Addictive Disorders
Addictive disorders are characterized by tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal from a specific chemical substance(s). Many individuals with a binge eating component of an Eating Disorder will also experience difficulty with Substance Abuse or Dependence. Some may take this to mean that Binge Eating is actually an Addictive Disorder, but there is currently no evidence to suggest this.
Substance Abuse/Dependence Disorder
It is important to note, however, that individuals with an Eating Disorder are at higher risk for a Substance Abuse/Dependence disorder. Individuals seeking treatment at CCED will be encouraged to address any active addiction or dependence problems before beginning intensive treatment for Eating Disorders.
Personality Disorders
Personality Disorders are most easily described as an ongoing pattern of behavior and internal experience that is different from what might be expected culturally, which leads to distress or impairment. The most commonly experienced Personality Disorder among Eating Disorder patients, and specifically those with Bulimia Nervosa or Anorexia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder/Purging Type, is Borderline Personality Disorder.
Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, mood and impulsivity. Our treatment program at CCED is specifically developed to address Eating Disorders and Personality Disorders simultaneously, using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) developed by Marsha Linehan.