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Expert explains why eating disorders have increased during the corona pandemic

2022-04-19T10:07:56.184Z


Expert explains why eating disorders have increased during the corona pandemic Created: 04/19/2022, 12:00 p.m By: Sebastian Grauvogl Since the pandemic, the number of treatments for young people with eating disorders has increased © Jens Kalaene/dpa Sophia Amschler from Caritas Miesbach explains why eating disorders are so dangerous and which forms of therapy are the right ones. County – Six


Expert explains why eating disorders have increased during the corona pandemic

Created: 04/19/2022, 12:00 p.m

By: Sebastian Grauvogl

Since the pandemic, the number of treatments for young people with eating disorders has increased © Jens Kalaene/dpa

Sophia Amschler from Caritas Miesbach explains why eating disorders are so dangerous and which forms of therapy are the right ones.

County – Six percent of all women will be affected by an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

But two percent of men also receive this diagnosis.

In the district of Miesbach, the Caritas center in Miesbach is one of the first points of contact when food becomes a problem.

Now the range of advice and treatment is even being expanded.

This is made possible by psychologist Sophia Amschler, who recently joined the specialist outpatient clinic team.

In an interview with our newspaper, the 27-year-old, who previously worked at the Schön Klinik Roseneck am Chiemsee, explains which signs point to an eating disorder and which forms of therapy are appropriate.

Sophia Amschler (27) Psychologist at the Miesbach Caritas Center © mzv-archiv

Ms. Amschler, trends show that eating disorders have increased with the corona pandemic.

Why?

Due to the contact restrictions, people were forced to do a lot with themselves.

At the same time, the time was characterized by uncertainty and being overwhelmed.

Young people in particular have noticed this very strongly, because they are often just in the process of finding their place in life.

The result is a great need for structure and control.

For example, by closely monitoring your eating habits.

This can then lead to anorexia.

But there are two other forms of eating disorders — and they, too, have increased as a result of the pandemic.

That would be?

Bulimia and binge eating.

In the first case, binge eating occurs, which those affected try to compensate for with counter-regulatory behavior such as vomiting, laxatives or excessive sport in order to prevent weight gain.

In binge eating disorder, binge eating occurs without counter-regulation.

Here food often serves to comfort and numb the feelings described above.

By the way: The influence of social media also plays a role in eating disorders.

In what way?

Whether it's recipes or fitness tips: the social trend towards the supposed optimization of one's own body is also causing an increased development of eating disorders - mind you, also in men.

How does the relationship between woman and man look like?

About 10:1.

Women are affected much more often.

In men, there seems to be an increase in the trend towards muscle building and definition.

Nothing in itself that you would immediately associate with eating disorders.

This also makes it so difficult for a layperson to recognize an eating disorder.

And it is even more difficult to speak to those affected.

Appearance and weight are often taboo subjects in our actually so open society.

That is why our counseling center also deliberately addresses relatives or friends of those affected.

We give tips on which early warning signs you can look out for and how you can seek dialogue.

Can you give an example?

It is important to observe the behavior of those affected.

Do they find excuses why they can't sit at the table when they have dinner together?

Do they lock themselves in the bathroom after meals?

Does food disappear from the fridge?

Does your weight change noticeably in a short period of time?

If you find something like this, you should speak to those affected in a confidential setting or at least make them an offer to talk.

The reactions are mostly positive: Many are very relieved that they can finally talk about it.

Incidentally, our therapy offers are also based on this.

How do they look?

In addition to individual sessions, we will also offer weekly group therapy.

Those affected can often give each other tips and motivate each other to persevere.

The message that not every eating disorder is a case for the clinic is very important to us.

Nevertheless, medical support is always important.

Why?

Because an eating disorder is very stressful for the body.

The insidious thing about it is that those affected do not notice anything for a long time.

They only see their appearance in the mirror and this is usually distorted by their own perception.

In fact, physical consequential damage may already be present.

If not treated in time, the consequences can be life-threatening.

In general, many people do not realize that eating disorders are one of the most dangerous mental illnesses of all.

Even a stay in a clinic is not always successful?

Therapy needs one thing above all: time.

So it's not just about normalizing the weight.

Dealing with the background issue is also important.

After staying in the hospital for several weeks, those affected are often faced with the challenge of implementing what they have learned in everyday life.

Outpatient follow-up treatment by therapists and doctors is therefore essential.

My goal is to build up a good network here in the district so that those affected feel the best possible care in every respect.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-04-19

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