What is the theory behind this Therapy Worksheet for Eating Disorder?
Eating Disorders are severe mental illnesses related to unhealthy or abnormal eating patterns that significantly affect one’s physical and mental health. These eating habits are a result of severe disturbances in one’s thoughts, perceptions and emotions associated with one’s food intake, body shape and size. Early detection of eating disorders can significantly improve chances of recovery.
How will the worksheet help?
The worksheet will provide a list of common signs and symptoms that are indicative of an eating disorder or the likelihood of developing one. It is important to be aware of these warning signs so that people can get the right help at the right time. Since teens and adolescents are especially vulnerable, this list can help parents recognize the signs in their children.
How to use the worksheet?
This worksheet can be used in mental health awareness programs for the general public specially for parents in schools and colleges to make them aware of the general warning signs of eating disorders so that early detection is possible.
Therapy Worksheet for Eating Disorder
Eating disorders are severe disturbances in one’s eating patterns that can cause multiple mental and physical issues that are not addressed at the right time. It is not a lifestyle choice but a recognized mental illness that needs the right professional help. The following list provides general signs and symptoms associated with the three common eating disorders.
| Anorexia nervosa | Bulimia nervosa | Binge-eating |
| Very restrictive food intakePreoccupation with caloric intake and intense exercisingBinge eating episodes followed by ‘purges’Unhealthily low body weightObsession with thinness or wanting to keep losing weightIn denial about low body weightBody image issuesPersistent physical health issues such as:*Muscle loss*Thinning bones*Severe Constipation*Brittle and yellow hair and nails*Anaemic*Lethargy | Uncontrollable overeating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, using laxatives etcWeight can be under, average or above healthy weightInflamed and swollen throat due to excessive vomitingAcid reflux and other gastric issuesDehydration from use of laxativesElectrolyte imbalanceSigns indicative of consumption of an abnormally large amount of food Dental problems related to frequent vomiting.Use mints, gums, mouthwash or other types of mouth fresheners often | Episodes of uncontrollable overeatingLifestyle changes around the need to cater to binge eating episodesHide or horde food from othersLow self-esteemFeelings of guilt and shame surrounding their food intakeEating even when not hungryReport being unable to control excessive eating even when uncomfortableFailed attempts to stop binge episodes |
Reference
You can download this worksheet here.