Saker Advantage

What can friends and family do to help someone with purging disorder?

Purging disorder is a serious type of mental health condition in which an individual compulsively engages in behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, abusing laxatives and other forms of purging in order to lose weight or to prevent weight gain. If a loved one is suffering from purging disorder it is important to understand how best to help them. While it can be difficult to watch someone suffer from a mental health condition, friends and family can take specific steps to offer assistance and support.

The most important thing that friends and family can do to help someone with purging disorder is to listen. Make sure to take whatever your loved one has to say seriously and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for them to open up about the disorder. Don’t discount their symptoms or be dismissive of the condition as this might cause them to withdraw even further and deny the problem.

Friends and family can also help by doing their own research into purging disorder. By learning more about the disorder, it can help to provide better insight into the mental and physical hardships and challenges that come with it. Do your best to empathize and relate to the situation. Offer your knowledge and understanding, even if it is only basic, to better reassure the individual that they are not alone in their battle against their disorder.

It is also important to be realistic and set boundaries. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help or join a support group. Offer to accompany them on their first few visits to make sure that they feel as comfortable and safe as possible. Avoid offering false hope or over-promising potential outcomes of treatment.

During recovery, it is necessary to provide encouragement and reinforcement. Focus on the positive changes and celebrate small successes. For example, give your loved one praise for engaging in healthy behaviors such as participating in physical activity or not skipping meals.

Finally, talk about purging disorder openly and honestly. Make sure that your loved one knows that their feelings and experiences are valid and supported. You can also offer practical support such as preparing healthy meals, planning enjoyable activities, or attending therapy sessions with them. Doing so will show your loved one that you care and are dedicated to helping them in their recovery journey.

Overall, at the end of the day, purging disorder is a serious disorder that needs to be taken seriously. Give your friend or family member the support and understanding that they need to recover and help them break through the cycle of purging. Remember, the best thing you can do is to show your unwavering love and support. Click here for more info

What are the different treatment approaches to purging disorder?

Purging disorder is a type of eating disorder characterized by an individual’s recurrent purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting and/or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, and/or enemas. While most commonly associated with anorexia nervosa, purging disorder can occur independent of other conditions.1

Despite purging disorder being a relatively new diagnosis—it was added to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013—research surrounding effective treatment approaches is steadily increasing. Generally, treatments involve a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and psychopharmacology (medications).

Psychotherapy

The main focus of psychotherapy treatment for purging disorder is to identify and address any underlying psychological, social and environmental contributors to the individual’s self-destructive behaviors. Since purging disorder is associated with feelings of guilt and shame, therapy can help individuals explore and gain insight into these feelings and underlying issues.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common psychotherapy used for the treatment of purging disorder and is based on the principle that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. This type of treatment seeks to identify unhealthy behavioral and thinking patterns and how they contribute to the disorder itself.2 For example, a therapist may explore how an individual’s thoughts about food and body shape can trigger purging behaviors.

Other treatment approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can also be beneficial for individuals with purging disorder. These approaches involve helping individuals gain skills to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, modify negative thought patterns, and develop healthier behaviors.

Psychopharmacology

Psychopharmacology is the use of medications to treat mental health disorders. Currently, no medications have been specifically approved to treat purging disorder.3 However, certain medications can be used to help manage the behavior and feelings of individuals engaging in purging behaviors. Examples include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications.

It is important to note that psychopharmacology should only be used as an adjunct to psychotherapy since medications alone do not provide the insight or psychological learning associated with psychotherapeutic approaches.

Nutritional Therapy

Although nutritional therapy is not considered to be an evidence-based treatment for purging disorder,4 it may be important for those struggling with the disorder. Key components of nutritional therapy for purging disorder include eating regular meals, maintaining a balanced diet, and increasing nutritious foods. Nutritional therapists can also provide education about healthy eating patterns and help individuals modify their relationship with food.

Other Treatments

There are a number of other treatments that can be beneficial for those with purging disorder. These include art therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, exercise, and self-help strategies such as journaling, social support, and relaxation techniques.

Takeaway

Purging disorder is a serious disorder characterized by recurrent purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting and misuse of laxatives or diuretics. Treatment approaches typically involve a combination of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, in addition to nutritional therapy, art therapy, and other supportive strategies. It is important to understand that no single treatment approach is right for everyone, and the best plan of care should be tailored to the individual’s needs. As such, it is important to work closely with a mental health professional to create an effective treatment plan.

We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about purging disorder. Visit Them.