Nancy Davidson Ph.D. Psychologist

James Davidson Ph.D. Psychologist

Eating disorders reflect poor self-esteem and body image distortions.  They do not indicate poor self-will or bad eating habits. Untreated eating disorders can lead to serious health complications, including death.  Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge-eating. Anorexia nervosa is indicated where food intake is limited, and a person feels "fat" regardless of their weight. Bulimia involves binge eating, followed by efforts to rid oneself of food by vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercise. Binge-eating disorder is marked by excessive binge eating, whether or not a person is hungry, but does not result in purging the food.

Treatment should always involve a thorough physical and dental exam due to the possibility of damage because of eating habits. Eating disorders can be treated with supportive counseling.