Eating disorders

Eating is part of everyday life - but with an eating disorder it becomes a burden. Thoughts about calories, weight or control take over and affect your entire life. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating (uncontrolled eating) affect people of all ages, genders and circumstances.

Signs that an eating disorder may be present

Eating disorders often develop gradually. It starts with small changes that slowly intensify. However, the earlier the signs are recognized, the better the chances of changing something.

• Changed eating habits: Meals are skipped, severely restricted or eaten in secret. Sudden changes in eating habits - from excessive fasting to binge eating.
• Excessive control of food: Those affected control their food strictly, count calories or avoid certain foods for fear of gaining weight.
• Compulsive thoughts about weight and figure: Thoughts constantly revolve around their own weight, appearance or fear of gaining weight.
• Bodily changes: Severe weight fluctuations, hair loss, dry skin or the absence of periods (in women) can be signs of an eating disorder.
• Social withdrawal: Those affected avoid eating situations with friends or family because they fear that their behavior might attract attention.
• Self-doubt and perfectionism: Many sufferers put themselves under extreme pressure to be "perfect" and try to achieve this by controlling their eating behavior.

Counseling and support

• Counseling centers for eating disorders: These centers offer personal, telephone or anonymous online counseling. They help to clarify the situation and plan initial steps.
• Anonymous help lines: You can talk to professionals anonymously and free of charge about your concerns via telephone counseling services (e.g. the telephone counseling service).
• Counseling for relatives: Parents, partners or friends can also seek advice if they notice that someone close to them is suffering from an eating disorder.

Therapy and treatment options

• Outpatient psychotherapy: Behavioral therapy or depth psychology therapies help to understand and overcome the underlying causes of the eating disorder.
• Inpatient treatment in clinics: In severe cases (e.g. severe underweight or life-threatening conditions), inpatient treatment may be necessary. There, those affected receive medical, psychological and nutritional therapy support.
• Support groups: People with similar experiences meet in support groups. The feeling of being understood strengthens the motivation to change.

Help for relatives

• Counseling services for relatives: Parents, partners and friends are often helpless when faced with the question of how they can help those affected. Counselling centers offer special support for relatives.
• Training courses and workshops: Some counselling centers offer training courses in which relatives learn how to support those affected without exerting pressure.
• Assistance in therapy: Relatives can be involved in the therapeutic process, e.g. in the form of couple or family discussions.