Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Treatment by Dr. Hemika Agrawal

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have severe physical, emotional, and social consequences. At Serenity Neuropsychiatry Clinic, Dr. Hemika Agrawal offers compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals struggling with eating disorders, guiding them towards recovery and a healthier relationship with food and body image.

Understanding Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve unhealthy behaviors related to food, eating, and body image. Common eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives.
• Binge-Eating Disorder: Characterized by episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and guilt, without compensatory behaviors like purging.

These disorders can lead to severe physical health problems, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and heart issues, as well as significant emotional distress.

Our Approach to Treating Eating Disorders

1. Comprehensive Assessment: We start with a thorough evaluation to understand the nature and severity of the eating disorder, as well as any co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. This involves a detailed medical history, psychological assessment, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals if necessary.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans: Our treatment approach is individualized, addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of eating disorders. This may include:

   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a cornerstone of eating disorder treatment, helping patients identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors related to food and body image.
   • Nutritional Counseling: We work with you to develop a healthy eating plan, emphasizing balanced nutrition and addressing any fears or misconceptions about food.
   • Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Particularly effective for adolescents, FBT involves family members in the treatment process, providing support and helping to restore healthy eating habits.
   • Medication Management: In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or antianxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage co-occurring mental health conditions.
   • Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises can help manage stress and improve overall well-being.



3. Holistic and Integrative Care: At Serenity Neuropsychiatry Clinic, we believe in treating the whole person. This may include complementary therapies such as art therapy, journaling, or group therapy, which can help patients express emotions and build coping skills.

4. Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Recovery from an eating disorder is a long-term process that requires ongoing care. We provide regular follow-ups, support groups, and continuous monitoring to ensure lasting recovery and prevent relapse.