Anxiety and Eating Disorders: Connection and Treatment
Treatment of Anxiety and Eating Disorders have evolved into a modern-day phenomenon due to social media, poor sleep hygiene, and reliance on stimulants like caffeine.
Regardless of age, gender, race, or nationality, people tend to have more than one disorder depending on their lifestyle and surroundings.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder are some of the most prevalent anxiety-related illnesses that may develop into eating disorders.
Whether symptoms develop in childhood or later in life, anxiety may be triggered by several things, and it is treatable.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Treatment of Anxiety and Eating Disorders are accompanied by symptoms that can be prevalent among people.
Below is a list of some generally known anxiety symptoms:
- Hyperventilation (breathing rapidly)
- Increased heart rate
- Feeling easily fatigued
- Feeling agitated, nervous, or tense
- Sweating and tremors
- Feeling of forthcoming danger or panic
- Sleep disturbance
- Need to avoid anxiety-generating situations
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Having trouble concentrating
- Experiencing gastrointestinal problems
- Urge to avoid situations that trigger anxiety
Common Treatment Methods
Diagnosing and treating co-occurring anxiety and eating disorders is vital.
One can trigger the other, and it is most often the case that the anxiety disorder triggers the eating disorder.
But the reverse is not excluded either.
Our eating habits are the one thing in life we have absolute control over. However, we can make unhealthy nutrition decisions that can lead to long-term consequences.
We can effectively treat anxiety and eating disorders by implementing various methods.
The combination of mental health therapy and medication is considered the best combination for efficient treatment.
Medication Treatment
Medication treatment is effective and safe, often used together with therapy.
Medication treatment requires patience depending on the severity of symptoms or individual circumstances.
Finding the proper short-term or long-term medication that works best for the patient might take some time.
Depending on the type of anxiety and the patient’s mental and physical health, a doctor may prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication.
In some instances, the patient may have to take sedatives or beta-blockers, which provide short-term relief.
Therapy Treatment
Mental health therapy is a proven successful treatment for anxiety and eating disorders.
Psychological counseling involves working together with a therapist to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Dialectical Behavior therapy may treat a number of behavioral and cognitive issues.
While Dialectical Behavior therapy is comprehensive, the best treatment for both anxiety and eating disorder treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Considered to be an evidence-based treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped treat most mental illnesses.
As a short-term treatment, it helps patients learn specific skills that help them return to activities they have avoided because of the anxiety.
Situations and objects that trigger anxiety are slowly approached, helping patients overcome anxiety symptoms.
At the same time, they learn to manage common triggers and build confidence.
Effective Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Connecticut
If you’re struggling to navigate your anxiety, which has affected your eating habits, the Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health can offer advice and services for treatment.
We work with patients from the Connecticut community to aid their anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
Our mental health professionals implement the latest Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques to ensure effective treatment.
Our dedicated team of psychotherapists helps clients navigate behavioral and emotional challenges, making mental health a priority.
Call us at 1-203-307-5788 or contact us via an online form to schedule an appointment.