Eating Disorder Treatment in Oxfordshire

As part of the UKAT family, we are able to treat you or a loved one at our Banbury Lodge clinic in Oxfordshire. Eating disorders require a rehab clinic with hospital level treatment in order to manage the individual’s physical health more effectively.

For those suffering from an eating disorder, or where it presents as a co-occurring illness alongside addiction, we are able to offer a comprehensive bespoke rehabilitation programme. We concentrate on challenging and changing the individual’s core beliefs through a number of proven therapeutic treatments.

For more information call, help and advice – Call us today!

Do You or a Loved One Have an Eating Disorder?

Anorexia Nervosa

Individuals with anorexia nervosa often suffer from the condition body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).  BDD manifests in a deluded and false perception of their own body image. Even when they are extremely underweight, BDD will persuade them that they are fat and need to lose more weight.

The manifestation of BDD will drive them to never feeling satisfied with their own body and keep losing weight even when it is risking their own life. Anorexics severely restrict their food intake and also have tendencies to purging their body of any nutrients that they do consume through excessive exercise and the abuse of laxatives. Anorexics can also develop Bulimic tendencies. A

Signs and Symptoms

• An obsession with being thin and never being thin enough
• Extreme fear of gaining weight
• A distorted body image (BDD)
• Severely restricted eating
• Obsessive calorie counting
• Excessive exercising
• Unrealistic and dangerous goal setting
• Abusing laxatives
• Brittle nails and hair
• Fine hair on the body known as downing
• Feeling cold all the time
• Avoidance of eating in front of others
• Extreme lethargy
• Lower than average BMI

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa sufferers consume very large amounts of food within one sitting. Following a binge, they will experience intense feelings of guilt, shame and regret; these feelings drive them to get rid of the food they have just eaten. In a bulimics mind, this resets their body and they feel cleansed after purging.

The process of purging usually takes place through self-induced vomiting and/or through the abuse of laxatives Those that suffer from bulimia tend to have an average body weight and their binging and purging takes place in secrecy. For these reasons, it can be extremely difficult to spot someone who is suffering from bulimia.

Signs and Symptoms

• Swollen glands in the jaw or neck area
• Average BMI (may also be underweight or overweight)
• Bloated face and water retention
• Gum disease
• Avoidance of eating in front of others
• Constant sore or inflamed throat
• Dehydration
• Hiding the evidence, ie wrappers and food
• Stomach problems from laxative use
• Gastrointestinal problems and acid reflux
• Sensitive teeth from recurrent vomiting
• Lethargy
• Low self-esteem
• Preoccupation with eating/starving/purging and dieting

Binge Eating Disorder

Those who suffer from binge eating disorder regularly lose control over the amount of food they consume. They will continue to eat, as they do not recognise when they are full. This is due to the fact that they go into a trance-like state that is devoid of emotions whilst they are binging.

Unlike Bulimia, they do not purge after a binge. Like Bulimia, they very much eat in order to cope with or avoid difficult emotions. Bulimics and binge eaters will usually eat things that are high in calories whilst binging. Foods that cause them to feel shame and guilt. During a binge, they have no control over their food intake and will often eat to the point of severe discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms

• Higher than average BMI
• High cholesterol and blood pressure
• Avoidance of eating in front of others
• Hiding the evidence, ie wrappers and food
• Lethargy
• Tendency to isolate
• Spending large amounts of money on food
• Poor self-image
• Low self-esteem
• Preoccupation with food/dieting

What Are the Causes?

Many individuals with eating disorders have complex and deep-rooted emotional issues that require professional treatment. There is no quick fix to treating disordered eating, it takes time, therapy and practical application. Eating disorders are often accompanied by other co-occurring conditions.

It has been recognised that an individual’s genetic makeup can make them more predisposed to developing a mental health illness. Where there is a susceptibility within an individual, the following can be a trigger for an eating disorder developing:

• A family history of eating disorders, substance abuse, depression or mental health illness
• Been criticised for their weight, body shape, or eating habits at a young and impressionable age
• A desire to be thin because of a particular activity such as modelling, athletics, or dancing
• An obsessive personality, low self-esteem, or an anxiety disorder
• Suffering a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one, or suffered emotional, sexual or physical abuse
• Stressful situations at home, at school, or at work that makes them feel out of control of their life
• Underlying Mental health illness such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or Depression
• A desire to fit in and be accepted by others

Eating Disorders Recovery Programme