Eating Eating Disorder Treatment in Bethesda,Md.
At Washington Family Psychiatry, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Our team offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for children, teens, and adults experiencing concerns related to food, body image, or eating behaviors.
Whether you or your loved one is dealing with restrictive eating, binge eating, purging behaviors, or distress around food and weight, we are here to help you move toward healing and a healthier relationship with food and your body.
What are Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and self-perception. They can impact physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning.
Common eating disorders include:
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Anorexia Nervosa – severe restriction of food intake and intense fear of weight gain
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Bulimia Nervosa – cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging
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Binge Eating Disorder – recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food accompanied by loss of control
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – restrictive eating not driven by body image concerns
Symptoms may include:
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Obsessive thoughts about food, weight, or body shape
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Restrictive eating or skipping meals
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Binge eating episodes
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Purging behaviors such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives
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Excessive exercise
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Anxiety, shame, or guilt related to eating
Our Approach to Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Our comprehensive assessment process is designed to understand the full picture of a patient’s eating behaviors, emotional health, and medical needs.
Our evaluation may include:
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Detailed clinical interviews and medical history
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Review of eating patterns and behavioral symptoms
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Screening for related conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
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Collaboration with primary care providers or nutrition professionals when appropriate
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Assessment of physical health and safety concerns
Our goal is to provide a clear understanding of the challenges you or your loved one are facing and create a roadmap for recovery.
Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Personalized Eating Disorder Treatment Plans
Eating disorder recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Once a diagnosis is established, we develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs, goals, and level of care required.
Treatment may include:
Psychiatric Evaluation & Medication Management
When appropriate, medications may help address related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive thinking that often accompany eating disorders.
Evidence-Based Psychotherapy
Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Treatment (FBT), and other structured approaches help patients develop healthier thoughts and behaviors around food and body image.
Family Support & Parent Guidance
For children and adolescents, family involvement plays a crucial role in recovery. We work closely with parents to support healthy eating patterns and emotional stability.
Care Coordination
Eating disorder treatment often involves a team approach. We collaborate with therapists, nutritionists, and medical providers to ensure coordinated and effective care.