Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not simply about food, weight, or appearance. They are complex mental health conditions that involve distorted patterns of thinking about food, body image, and self-worth, often accompanied by harmful eating behaviors that can have severe physical and psychological consequences. Eating disorders affect people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and body sizes.
Dr. Stephanie L. Cornette, Psy.D., offers specialized eating disorder treatment at her Chicago practice. She recognizes that eating disorders often develop as coping mechanisms for difficult emotions, traumatic experiences, or a need for control. Her wholistic approach treats the underlying psychological factors — not just the eating behaviors — using cognitive behavior therapy and reality-based therapeutic techniques.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body weight or shape. Individuals with anorexia may maintain a body weight significantly below what is considered healthy for their age and height. The condition can involve restricting food intake, excessive exercise, or a combination of both.
Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health disorder due to its severe physical consequences, including malnutrition, organ damage, bone density loss, and cardiac complications. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment are critical.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating — consuming large quantities of food in a short period with a feeling of loss of control — followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. These behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia may maintain a normal or above-normal weight, which can make the condition harder to detect. The cycle of bingeing and purging takes a serious toll on both physical health (including dental erosion, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal damage) and emotional well-being, often accompanied by intense shame and guilt.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder. It involves recurring episodes of eating significantly more food in a short period than most people would eat under similar circumstances, accompanied by a sense of lack of control during the episode. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve regular compensatory behaviors. Episodes are often triggered by emotional distress, boredom, or specific situations, and are frequently followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and disgust. Binge eating disorder can lead to obesity and associated health complications, as well as significant emotional suffering.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders
Many individuals struggle with disordered eating patterns that do not fit neatly into the categories above but are still clinically significant and cause distress. These may include atypical anorexia (meeting all criteria except low weight), purging disorder, night eating syndrome, and other conditions. Dr. Cornette provides thorough assessment to accurately identify each client's specific challenges and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder
Eating disorders can be difficult to recognize, both by the individual experiencing them and by those around them. Common warning signs include:
Behavioral Signs
- Preoccupation with food, calories, diets, or body weight
- Skipping meals, eating very small portions, or avoiding eating with others
- Disappearing after meals (to purge)
- Excessive or compulsive exercise
- Hoarding food or eating in secret
- Withdrawing from social activities, especially those involving food
Emotional and Physical Signs
- Intense fear of weight gain or body dissatisfaction
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or disgust after eating
- Noticeable weight changes (loss or gain)
- Fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or feeling cold frequently
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Hair loss, dry skin, or dental problems
The Treatment Approach
Treating eating disorders requires addressing the complex interplay of psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors that maintain the condition. Dr. Cornette's approach includes several key components:
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders. It addresses the distorted beliefs about food, body image, and self-worth that drive disordered eating behaviors. Clients learn to identify and challenge thoughts like "I'm only worthwhile if I'm thin" or "If I eat that, I'll lose control," replacing them with more balanced and realistic perspectives.
Dr. Cornette's wholistic approach also examines the emotional functions that the eating disorder serves. For many clients, disordered eating is a way of coping with difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression, stress, or unresolved grief. Therapy helps clients develop healthier coping mechanisms while addressing the underlying emotional pain.
Psychological testing may be used to assess the severity of the eating disorder, identify co-occurring conditions such as mood disorders or personality disorders, and inform treatment planning. An accurate, comprehensive assessment is essential for effective treatment.
Recovery Is Possible
Recovery from an eating disorder is a process that takes time, commitment, and professional support. With the right treatment, it is possible to develop a healthy relationship with food, build a positive body image, and address the emotional issues that contributed to the disorder. Dr. Cornette provides the expertise, patience, and compassion needed to support clients through every stage of recovery.
Start Your Path to Recovery
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, Dr. Cornette provides a safe, compassionate environment for healing and recovery.
Call (773) 988-7144