Clinical Psychologist Assist. Prof. Dr. Billur Örnek highlights the life-threatening nature of eating disorders, such as Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating, underlining the critical importance of treatment for these conditions.
Although nutritional and eating disorders vary widely, "Anorexia Nervosa," "Bulimia Nervosa," and "Binge Eating" are known to be the most common types. Anorexia manifests through an individual's restriction of food intake due to their perception of being overweight, while bulimia is characterized by purging to eliminate excess calories. "Binge Eating" can be considered as periods of "loss of control" embedded within other eating disorders but can also occur independently of Anorexia or Bulimia. Research indicates that the prevalence of anorexia nervosa among adolescents is 5%, with one in four youths experiencing bulimia at some point in their lives.
Not Given Due Importance by Patients and Families
The Head of the Psychology Department at Yeditepe University, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Billur Örnek, shared insights on the matter, noting that individuals with eating disorders are often unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness, compounded by the indifference to their surroundings, leads to a failure to seek treatment. Dr. Örnek underlined the critical importance of the individual's environment being attentive and taking definitive action toward treatment." Eating disorders are severe psychological disorders characterized by a distorted perception of one's own body and unhealthy changes in eating routines," said Billur Örnek, adding, "It should not be forgotten that these disorders can cause physical harm and pose a threat to life."
"The Significant Impact of the Parental Relationship"
Dr. Billur Örnek highlighted that theorists offer varied explanations for the emergence of eating disorders, elaborating on the most widely accepted reasons as follows:
"The individual's eating habits are established as early as the breastfeeding period, primarily through the parents, especially the mother. Consequently, the relationship formed with the parents significantly influences eating behavior. Psychoanalytically oriented clinicians agree that individuals with Anorexia Nervosa often fail to differentiate themselves from their mothers. The disorder can emerge as a rebellion against a controlling parent, fulfilling a need to create an area the individual can control.
Contrary to the close and conflicted family relationships observed in Anorexia, Bulimia often involves distant, emotionally unsatisfying family ties. Apart from family relationships and attachment processes, social media and environments that glorify thinness and stigmatize being overweight also play a significant role in the manifestation of these two disorders."
Self-Soothing and Numbing
Örnek, invoking the Schema Therapy approach regarding Binge Eating Disorder, elaborated: "According to this perspective, binge eating is a method of numbing oneself to avoid confronting overwhelming emotions. A full stomach brings about a sense of comfort rooted in infancy. Being nourished by the mother signifies physical survival and denotes the caregiver's affection. Hence, satiety evokes a similar sense of security. Individuals resort to binge eating for solace during times of high anxiety or when faced with other challenging emotions. Thus, binge eating is no different from engaging in hours of phone usage, binge-watching series, playing video games for extended periods, or even using substances and alcohol. Although the physical outcomes differ, the underlying reason is the same: to self-soothe and numb."
What Can Families Do?
Örnek advised parents to create an environment that allows children to learn from their mistakes by giving them a chance to err, noting: "In families where choices are respected, where discussions occur even if implementing the choice isn't possible, where children's questions are patiently answered, and where trust is placed in the child's ability to make decisions, a sense of competence develops in the child. A child or adolescent with a developed sense of competence is less likely to succumb to the pressures of media or peers; they do not feel the need to rebel to control their domain. Regarding binge eating, it's essential that difficult emotions can be discussed within the family, and children should be able to observe how to cope with them."
"The Initial Cause Is the Family, and It Cannot Be Resolved Without Treatment."
Families often may not realize these disorders exist. Emphasizing the importance of parents closely observing their children, Örnek continued: "Once families become aware, they should closely monitor the situation and not forget that it is a disorder. Unfortunately, these disorders, significantly initiated by familial factors, cannot be resolved within the family without seeking treatment. Thus, expressing a desire to help but not delaying professional treatment is crucial. These disorders, leading to extreme weight loss or gain, carry life-threatening risks. The damage caused by actions such as vomiting alone is significant. Considering these conditions have serious physical consequences and can even lead to death, it is important to take them seriously and not delay action. The physical harm and life- threatening nature of these disorders should not be overlooked. The individual carrying the disorder is often unaware or in denial of this reality. In this context, it's vital for the person's surroundings to be vigilant and to take necessary actions towards treatment."
