Signs and Symptoms

Anorexia Nervosa

• Noticeable • Restriction of food • Unusual habits • Belief of being “too fat” even when thin • Frequently checking weight • Irregular or cessation of menstruation • , lethargy • Always being cold

Bulimia Nervosa www.edcalabama.com

• • • Secretive eating • Chronic sore throat • Laxative, pill or abuse • Puffy cheeks • Erosion of enamel,

Binge Eating

• • Feeling out of control when eating • Rapid consumption of large quantities of food Eating Disorder Center of Alabama • Feelings of guilt and shame 956 Montclair Road, Suite 210 • Low self-esteem Birmingham, Alabama 35213 205-949-4550 • fax 205-949-4554 • Secretive eating patterns www.edcalabama.com • Avoidance of social situations Program Philosophy • Bulimia is characterized by episodic binge eating, Medical Evaluation: Patients who present with The Eating Disorder Center of Alabama (EDCA) is usually followed by self-induced vomiting or medical complications asaresult of an eating a division of Alabama Psychiatric Services, P.C. excessive laxative use. disorder will be referred to an internal medicine (APS). This program is dedicated to providing specialist who also has experience in the treatment • is characterized by the patients with eating disorders an integrated, cost of eating disorders. rapid consumption of very large quantities of food. effective treatment option. The program Patients feel a lack of control during the binge. Nutritional Assessment and Counseling: Each incorporates the medical expertise of physicians, Purging is not associated with binge eating disorder. patient is evaluated byaregistered, licensed dietitian. advanced practice registered nurses, specially Counseling and education is provided which focuses trained licensed therapists and nutritionists for Eating disorders can affect all aspects of one’s life. on present and healthier eating patterns. the provision of psychotherapeutic treatment in a Relationships with loved ones, the ability to work comfortable, safe and supportive environment. or maintain routine activities, and physical Individual : Patients under the care may be impacted by the disorder. In addition to of APS providers are encouraged to continue the The program is built on the belief that people who the significant physical effects of an eating disorder, relationship with their therapists during the suffer with eating disorders can, through increased emotional problems such as depression and program to ensure continuity of care and self-awareness and insight, re-establishahealthy may be present. Eating disorders can be complex appropriate discharge planning. The EDCA has balance in life, develop a healthy relationship with and may require a more intensive treatment facilities for videoconferencing with providers in food and one’s self, achieve meaningful, positive approach than what is typically available in an outlying areas. interpersonal relationships, and return to a outpatient office setting. productive life. Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy approaches may Treatment include dialectical techniques, psychoeducational, Program Description Effective treatment of eating disorders includes cognitive behavioral, , relaxation, EDCA is a partial hospitalization program located therapies which address the emotional and movement, art therapies and yoga. in Birmingham, Alabama which provides a physical health of the patient. The interdisciplinary structured, intensive outpatient treatment Meal Support Groups: Supervised breakfast, lunch team of the EDCA has specialized training and alternative to inpatient treatment. Patients may be and snack times are an integral component of the skills for working with eating disorders. Each admitted directly to the program or from an inpatient program. Meal support groups are designed to help patient is assessed by the team of professionals. setting. The length of treatment is based on the patients return to normal eating behaviors while Individualized treatment plans are developed individual needs of each patient but generally lasts a providing the nutrition needed for their bodies. based on the unique needs of each patient. minimum of six to eight weeks. The program operates : Therapists guide families through the Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The treatment team includes: exploration of relationships and functioning within the Boarding accommodations can be arranged for Board Certified family unit.Family education is also provided and is patients who live outside of the Birmingham area. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses an integral part of the recovery process. Licensed, Registered Nutritionists/Dietitians What is an Eating Disorder? Referral Procedure Licensed Therapists Eating disorders are serious medical and Interested candidates for the program may psychiatric illnesses in which people suffer severe contact EDCA for an assessment to determine disturbances in eating behaviors. These conditions if the program is suited for their needs. are common and affect about 5-10 million people Treatment modalities include: Physicians may refer by contacting the Program in the United States, most often women between Psychiatric Evaluation and ongoing assessment: or the Program Director. the ages of 12 and 35. During the past few years, Every patient receives a comprehensive psychiatric there has been an increasing number of males assessment byaboard certified psychiatrist. If Criteria for Admission: diagnosed with eating disorders. necessary, medication may be prescribed and • Primary diagnosis of an eating disorder (DSM-IV) • Motivation and willingness to participate in • Nervosa is characterized by extreme closely monitored by the team. The psychiatrist intensive treatment or refusal to eat with an intense fear of sees each patient onaregular basis throughout the • Medical stability consistent with partial gaining weight. Patients perceive themselves as course of treatment. hospitalization setting fat even though they are usually .