Remedy Therapy
Orthorexia
Conveniently Located To Serve West Palm, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
About
What is Orthorexia Nervosa?
Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with eating “healthy” or “pure” foods to the point where it negatively impacts a person’s well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. Unlike other eating disorders, Orthorexia focuses on the quality of food rather than the quantity, leading individuals to rigidly adhere to strict dietary rules and rituals.
Diagnosis Diagnosis, Signs and Symptoms of Orthorexia NervosaNervosa:
Although Orthorexia is not officially recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5, it shares similarities with other eating disorders and can significantly impair an individual’s physical and psychological health. Signs and symptoms of Orthorexia may include:
- \Obsessive preoccupation with the quality and purity of food
- \Strict adherence to self-imposed dietary rules or restrictions
- \Anxiety or guilt when deviating from "clean" eating habits
- \Social isolation or withdrawal from activities involving food
- \Physical symptoms such as malnutrition, weight loss, or nutritional deficiencies
- \Impaired functioning in daily life due to food-related rituals or behaviors
How we treat Orthorexia Nervosa:
At Remedy Therapy Center for Eating Disorders, we provide specialized treatment for Orthorexia nervosa tailored to each individual’s needs. Our approach may include:
Nutritional counseling:
Working with registered dietitians to develop a balanced approach to eating that promotes flexibility and variety in food choices.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):
Addressing distorted beliefs and attitudes about food, body image, and self-worth to promote healthier coping strategies and behavior change.
Exposure therapy:
Gradually reintroducing “feared” or avoided foods in a structured and supportive environment to reduce anxiety and increase flexibility around eating.
Mindfulness and self-compassion practices:
Cultivating awareness of thoughts and emotions related to food and body image, and learning to approach oneself with kindness and acceptance.
Our Dual Diagnosis Approach to Treating Orthorexia Nervosa:
We recognize that Orthorexia nervosa may co-occur with other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or perfectionism. Our dual diagnosis approach addresses these underlying issues alongside the eating disorder, providing integrated treatment to promote lasting recovery and improved overall well-being
Health Risks Health consequences of Orthorexia Nervosa:
Untreated Orthorexia nervosa can lead to a range of health consequences, including:
Nutritional deficiencies:
Excessive focus on “clean” eating and avoidance of certain food groups can result in inadequate intake of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
Malnutrition:
Prolonged restriction or avoidance of foods may result in malnutrition, which can impair physical growth and development, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of other health complications.
Weight loss or weight fluctuations:
Obsessive dietary restrictions and rigid eating patterns may lead to significant weight loss or unhealthy fluctuations in weight, which can impact overall health and well-being.
Disordered eating patterns:
Orthorexia nervosa can contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors, such as food restriction, binge eating, or compulsive exercise, which can further exacerbate nutritional deficiencies and disrupt physical and psychological health.
Impaired social functioning:
Preoccupation with food quality and dietary rituals may interfere with social interactions, relationships, and participation in social events involving food, leading to social isolation and withdrawal.
Psychological distress and reduced quality of life:
Orthorexia nervosa is associated with high levels of anxiety, guilt, and distress related to food choices and dietary behaviors, which can negatively impact mental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
Goals Goals of Treatment for Orthorexia Nervosa
The goals of treating someone with an eating disorder extend beyond their stay at our facility, focusing on long-term recovery and improved quality of life. After completing our comprehensive treatment program, the overarching objectives include:
Normalization of eating behaviors:
Helping individuals develop a balanced and flexible approach to eating that allows for enjoyment of a variety of foods without guilt or anxiety.
Restoration of nutritional health:
Addressing nutritional deficiencies and restoring physical health through guided meal planning, nutritional counseling, and support from registered dietitians.
Reduction of obsessive thoughts and behaviors:
Challenging rigid beliefs and attitudes about food, body image, and health to reduce preoccupation with dietary rules and rituals.
Improvement of psychological well-being:
Addressing underlying emotional issues such as anxiety, perfectionism, and low self-esteem through individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic interventions.
Enhancement of social functioning:
Supporting individuals in rebuilding social connections, fostering healthy relationships, and participating in social activities involving food in a balanced and enjoyable manner.
Promotion of long-term recovery:
Equipping individuals with coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and ongoing support to maintain progress and sustain recovery beyond treatment.
Our Mission Begin Your Recovery Journey Today
At Remedy Therapy Center For Eating Disorders, we are committed to helping individuals achieve these goals through our evidence-based treatment approach, ongoing support services, and comprehensive aftercare planning. Our aim is to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives free from the grip of their eating disorder, equipped with the tools and resilience needed to thrive in recovery.
Conditions Explore Related Conditions
ARFID
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex eating disorder characterized by an extreme avoidance or restriction of food intake that results in significant weight loss, nutritional deficiency, and/or impaired psychosocial functioning.
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to severely restrict their food intake and engage in excessive exercise.
OSFED
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) is a category of eating disorder characterized by significant disturbances in eating or food-related behaviors that do not meet the criteria for specific eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder.
Reviews Patient Testimonials
Cultivating trust and transparency is at the heart of our commitment to supporting individuals on their journey towards recovery from eating disorders. As you navigate our website, we invite you to explore the experiences and insights shared by those who have entrusted us with their care. These reviews not only reflect the compassionate and personalized approach we take in our clinic, but also serve as a testament to the transformative impact of our comprehensive treatment programs. We understand the importance of feeling understood and supported throughout the recovery process, and we are honored to have played a role in the journeys of so many individuals seeking healing and wellness. We hope these testimonials offer reassurance and encouragement as you consider taking the next step towards a healthier, happier life.