5 myths about eating disorders that must be debunked
Eating disorders can be a real burden for many people. Eating disorders (EDs ) are complex pathologies that affect not only eating habits, but also the psychological and emotional state of the people concerned. Surrounded by stereotypes, E.B.D.s give rise to numerous preconceived ideas that hinder the recognition and appropriate treatment of these disorders. Deconstructing these beliefs is essential if we are to provide better support for sufferers and encourage appropriate treatment. Here are five common misconceptions to reconsider ;).
1. A problem that only concerns young women
It's a common misconception that eating disorders (EDs) only affect teenage girls and young women. Yet these disorders affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. According to ANAD, men account for between 10% and 25% of cases, but their diagnosis is often delayed due to stereotypes. What's more, OCDs can also appear in prepubescent children or manifest themselves in older adults, often after stressful events or major life changes.
2. It's all about the food
Reducing eating disorders to abnormal eating behaviors ignores their complexity. These disorders are often manifestations of deep-seated psychological suffering. Eating then becomes a means of managing difficult emotions, such as anxiety, guilt or emotional emptiness. For example, anorexia may reflect a need for control in an environment perceived as chaotic, while bulimia or hyperphagia may be a response to emotional wounds.
3) People with CAT are necessarily skinny
The idea that only skinny bodies are evidence of an eating disorder is false and dangerous. Many sufferers, especially those with bulimia or binge eating disorder, may have a weight considered "non-threatening" or be overweight. This idea contributes to the invisibility of these cases and delays diagnosis. An OCD is not measured by physical appearance alone, but is defined by a disturbed relationship with food and the body, whatever the person's build.
4. A simple food choice or whim
This belief minimizes the reality of eating disorders and makes those affected feel guilty. Eating disorders are not choices, but complex illnesses resulting from a combination of biological, genetic, psychological and environmental factors. For example, INSERM studies show a link between certain genes and a predisposition to developing an eating disorder. In addition, social pressures related to body appearance, trauma and family dynamics play a role. Sufferers don't choose to suffer; they need guidance and support, not judgment.
5. Total recovery
Although CAT can be treated, recovery is often a long process, with ups and downs. Some people manage to regain a peaceful relationship with food and their bodies, but others may remain vulnerable to stressful situations. What's more, the physical and psychological after-effects, such as digestive problems or altered body image, may persist.
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