Eating Disorder Psychiatrist in Red Bank, NJ

Do you feel a loss of control when you're around food? Do you skip meals, or do you rigidly restrict your food intake? Are you consumed with thoughts about your body shape or your weight?

If these signs sound familiar and you’re struggling with an eating disorder, Coastal Psychiatry is here for you. We offer support and guidance from a licensed eating disorder psychiatrist in Red Bank, New Jersey, to help you create healthier habits for your mind and body.

Understanding Disordered Eating

Many people are aware of what an eating disorder is, but disordered eating may sound less familiar. Disordered eating is not a diagnosis, but a phrase used to describe a range of problematic eating behaviors. The signs and symptoms of disordered eating are similar to those of an eating disorder, although they will vary with frequency and severity. Some include:

· Frequent dieting or obsessive calorie counting

· Rigid food restriction or skipping meals

· Feeling anxiety, guilt, or shame about certain foods or food in general

· Obsessive exercising, or exercise to "punish" for overeating

· Binging and/or purging

· Self-worth or self-esteem because of your weight or body shape and weight

· Feeling out of control around food

While disordered eating may not result in the extreme symptoms seen in a diagnosable eating disorder, it has the potential to negatively impact a person's life.

For example, someone with disordered eating may miss work, school, or personal events because of anxiety or discomfort around food, or because of an obsessive exercise routine. Their obsession with food and exercise may affect their ability to focus or concentrate, impacting their performance at work or school.

Disordered eating can also take a mental and physical toll on a person. Negative self-thinking can impact their mental health, and their poor eating habits can affect them physically, such as their cardiovascular and intestinal health. Disordered eating also puts the individual at high risk of developing a serious eating disorder.

Why Early Intervention Is Key in Eating Disorders

Research shows that early identification and treatment of both disordered eating and eating disorders lead to more favorable outcomes. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant in recognizing the warning signs in their children and seek professional help promptly. Early intervention can prevent the development of more severe symptoms and improve the chances of recovery.

How an Eating Disorder Psychiatrist Can Help

What causes people to engage in harmful eating habits can be complex and vary based on the individual. It’s why help from a professional psychiatrist that specializes in eating disorders is so important.

At Coastal Psychiatry, Dr. Deepti Varma offers extensive experience and a compassionate approach that includes individualized care tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. In the process, evidence-based treatments are used to address the complex interplay of psychological, nutritional, and medical factors involved in eating disorders. Dr. Varma also works with each client to help them create healthier habits and develop coping mechanisms for difficult cues or triggers from an eating disorder.

Psychiatry services for eating disorders include:

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of eating disorder treatment. Dr. Varma employs various therapeutic techniques to help patients develop healthier eating patterns and address the underlying emotional issues that contribute to their disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, is one of the most effective approaches, focusing on identifying and changing distorted thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.

Medication Management

While psychotherapy is essential, some patients may benefit from medication to manage co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Dr. Varma carefully evaluates each client's needs and prescribes appropriate medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Commonly used medications include antidepressants, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and other medications that may address specific symptoms associated with eating disorders.

Get Help With Disordered Eating Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, professional help is available. At Coastal Psychiatry in Red Bank, NJ, Dr. Deepti Varma offers expert care and support for individuals battling these challenging conditions.

With a compassionate and comprehensive approach, she and her team are dedicated to helping those struggling with eating disorders to achieve lasting recovery. Schedule a consultation to learn more about eating disorder psychiatry and get on the road to improved health and well-being.