Archive for Orthorexia
Orthorexia: Where Eating Disorders Meet OCD – Part 2
Effective Strategies and Predictable Complications in the Treatment of Orthorexia
In our previous article about Orthorexia, we described this relatively unknown and misunderstood condition. In this, the second and final installment in this series, we discuss strategies and pitfalls in the treatment of Orthorexia.
Orthorexia can be effectively treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness
Orthorexia, being a somewhat new conceptualization of a psychological disorder, is under-researched and often misunderstood within the mental health and medical communities. Many mental health professionals have found success treating individuals with Orthorexia using evidence-based treatment methods that are used to treat other Eating Disorders, OCD, and related OC Spectrum Disorders.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness are two highly effective treatment methods used to treat Orthorexia. Using CBT, individuals with Orthorexia learn to challenge and change their distorted thoughts (cognitions) related to their body and the foods they eat. Education about nutrition and what is considered “healthy” should also be integrated into CBT when treating Orthorexia, using logical, evidence-based strategies. › Continue reading
Orthorexia: Where Eating Disorders Meet OCD
Orthorexia – The Not-So-Healthy Obsession with “Healthy” Eating
Individuals suffering with Orthorexia exhibit symptoms similar to those of OCD and Eating Disorders.
Orthorexia Nervosa (also simply known as Orthorexia) is a relatively new term within the psychological and medical fields. Simply defined, Orthorexia is an eating disorder in which an individual has an excessive and ultimately unhealthy obsession about maintaining a diet that is totally “healthy” and “pure”. Because of their extremely restrictive eating, individuals with Orthorexia are often severely underweight, and frequently lack the proper nourishment to perform basic daily activities. Like most cases involving an eating disorder, the outcome of Orthorexia can be severe malnutrition and a significant reduction of one’s quality of life.
Orthorexia has not yet been accepted as a formal diagnosis by the psychiatric community, and has not been defined within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV). However, since first being described by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1996, many health professionals have observed the often debilitating results of this condition. › Continue reading
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