Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. These conditions involve severe disturbances in eating behaviors and associated thoughts and emotions, and they can have serious health consequences. Eating disorders are not simply about food—they are complex psychological conditions with biological, psychological, and social factors.
Eating disorders affect millions of people in the United States, with peak onset typically occurring in adolescence and early adulthood. They have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. However, with proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, recovery is possible. At Blue Ocean Mental Health in Los Angeles, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with eating disorders.
Our approach combines psychiatric expertise with medical monitoring to address both the psychological and physical aspects of eating disorders, supporting your journey toward recovery and a healthier relationship with food and your body.
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterized by severe restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia often engage in excessive exercise and may use purging behaviors. This condition can result in severe malnutrition and serious medical complications.
Bulimia Nervosa
Involves recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia often maintain normal weight but experience severe shame and guilt about their eating patterns.
Binge Eating Disorder
Characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food with a sense of loss of control, followed by distress, shame, or guilt. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve regular compensatory behaviors.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Involves restricted eating due to sensory sensitivities, fear of aversive consequences, or lack of interest in food. ARFID can result in nutritional deficiencies and significant functional impairment.
Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders
- Significant weight loss or weight fluctuations
- Preoccupation with food, calories, and weight
- Restrictive eating or excessive exercise
- Binge eating episodes with loss of control
- Purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative use)
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Obsessive thoughts about body image
- Dental problems or gastrointestinal issues
- Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
- Hair loss or brittle nails
- Wearing loose clothing to hide weight
- Excessive concern about others’ eating habits
Our Comprehensive Eating Disorder Treatment Approach
Esder Shin, PMHNP-BC, provides evidence-based eating disorder treatment addressing both the psychiatric and medical aspects of these complex conditions.
Comprehensive Psychiatric and Medical Evaluation
We conduct a thorough assessment of your eating behaviors, body image concerns, psychological factors, and medical status. This includes evaluation of any co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Medication Management
When appropriate, we prescribe medications to address underlying depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive features that often accompany eating disorders. Medication can support recovery when combined with therapy.
Nutritional Counseling and Monitoring
We coordinate with registered dietitians and monitor your nutritional status, electrolytes, and overall health. Regular medical monitoring ensures your physical health is protected during recovery.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Coping Skills
We teach evidence-based strategies to address distorted thoughts about food and body image, develop healthy eating patterns, and build coping skills for managing emotions without turning to disordered eating behaviors.
Family Support and Education
We involve family members when appropriate, providing education about eating disorders and helping them support your recovery in healthy, evidence-based ways.
Why Choose Blue Ocean for Eating Disorder Treatment
- Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with eating disorder treatment expertise
- Integrated approach addressing psychiatric, medical, and nutritional aspects
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific eating disorder and needs
- Regular medical monitoring to ensure your physical health and safety
- Coordination with nutritionists and other healthcare providers
- Virtual and in-person appointments for flexible access to care
- Compassionate, non-judgmental approach to recovery
- Evidence-based treatments proven effective for eating disorder recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. You deserve compassionate, professional care that addresses all aspects of your health. Schedule a consultation with Esder Shin to begin your journey toward recovery.
