MHM Magazine

20 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issue 2 | 2022 MHM Other Feeding or Eating Condition Not Elsewhere Classified This is a residual category for clinically significant problems meeting the definition of a Feeding or Eating Disorder but not satisfying the criteria for any other Disorder or Condition As the ED worsens, you may notice certain characteristics that could indicate a red flag: These could include (but not limited to): • Low self-esteem or diminished self-worth • “All or nothing” thinking e.g. if I don’t eat extremely well then it would mean that I am all ‘bad’ • Feelings of emptiness • Desire to be special or unique • Lack of coping skills • Need to be in control, need for power • Difficulty expressing feelings • Need for escape or a safe place to go • Lack of trust in self or others • Terrified of not measuring up • Needing to leave the table straight after a meal • Not partaking in meals and not wanting to eat in front of others • Always calorie counting • Prefers not to socialise or attend events that include food related activities It’s important to note that no-one asks to have an eating disorder and neither does it discriminate. It can affect males and females, rich or poor. Stigma is usually attached to an ED and those around the individual usually have unhelpful statements such as “why can’t you just eat! If you just put the food in your mouth, you’ll be okay!” Mostly there is a lack of understanding of why the person can’t partake in the most basic human behaviour. More empathy around an ED needs to be established in knowing that an eating disorder can be an effort to cope, communicate, defend against and even ‘solve’ other problems. It helps to establish a sense of control, power, provides worth and containment, numbs pain and releases anxiety or anger etc. E.g. of sense of control…if you feel you have no ability to make choices in your own life and lack the control of things happening in and around your life which is distressing to you…then an ED can occur as ‘food’ is the only element they have control over An eating disorder is usually maintained depending on what the individual possibly gains or desires eg: • To provide comfort, soothing, nurturance • To numb, sedate or distract • To gain attention – a cry for help • To discharge tension, or an angry rebellion • Gives one a sense of identity • As a means of self- punishment • Creating a large body for protection/ safety • Avoidance of intimacy • Symptoms prove “I’m bad” instead of looking at one’s feelings around the role of others ED’s not only result in psychological, emotional, financial and personal consequences but also impacts the individual’s medical status. It’s because of this that one has to be very careful when refeeding an extremely low weight individual. Going too fast can result in cardiac issues. Who can HELP? Due to the nature of the illness it’s the individual contact a psychiatrist or psychologist or a medical doctor for immediate intervention. They will go through a series of questions to confirm a diagnosis. It’s also best to seek professional help with those specialising in that area. Psychological, psychiatric, dietetic and medical intervention has to take in the various factors of the ED to know how to treat these disorders optimally. In terms of psychotherapy, various methods are used with CBT having shown to be one of the most effective. With adolescents as well as children, family therapy is very important. Medication is used as a supplementary approach to the treatment as well, if needed. The support one needs from their family or loved ones is vital in their recovery. The family needs to learn how to respond to the ED individual as their response style can either worsen or maintain the ED behaviour. Some units that specialise in Eating Disorders include: Tara H Moross Psychiatric Hospital Akeso Clinic References available upon request