Eating Disorder Treatment in Randolph, MA
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behavior, distorted perceptions of body image, and intense preoccupation with food, weight, or shape. They are not lifestyle choices or phases. Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition and frequently co-occur with anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. Expert, integrated care is essential. At Engrace Behavioral Health Services in Randolph, MA, our PMHNP providers and licensed therapists offer compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
What Are the Signs of an Eating Disorder?
Warning signs include extreme restriction of food intake or skipping meals, recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time, secretive eating or hiding food, frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, excessive exercise that continues despite injury or illness, intense preoccupation with body weight or shape, wearing baggy clothing to hide the body, and dramatic changes in weight. Emotional signs include guilt or shame around eating, rigid food rules, and high anxiety in situations involving food. An expert evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis.
What Are the Types of Eating Disorders?
Anorexia Nervosa involves severe food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Bulimia Nervosa involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, laxative use, or excessive exercise. Binge Eating Disorder (BED), the most common eating disorder in the United States, involves recurrent loss-of-control eating without compensatory behaviors. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) involves extreme food avoidance not driven by body image but by sensory sensitivity or fear of negative consequences. Each requires a distinct therapeutic approach.
How Are Eating Disorders Treated?
Our board-certified PMHNP specialists conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation to assess the type and severity of the eating disorder and identify co-occurring mental health conditions. Medication management may include antidepressants for co-occurring depression or anxiety, and for bulimia nervosa, fluoxetine is FDA-approved as part of the treatment plan. Our licensed therapists offer evidence-based therapy including CBT for eating disorders, which addresses the distorted thoughts and behaviors that maintain disordered eating, and DBT, which builds the emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills needed to interrupt binge and purge cycles. We also coordinate care with your primary care physician, registered dietitian, and other providers to ensure a unified recovery approach.
Can Eating Disorders Be Treated Locally in Randolph, MA?
Yes. Recovery is possible. No referral needed. Call (617) 203-2009 or book an appointment online. Explore all mental health conditions we treat and our areas of care at Engrace Behavioral Health Services, serving Randolph, MA and all of Massachusetts via telehealth.