Eating Disorders
An eating disorder can threaten your life. If you are suffering from one, getting the help you need as soon as possible is important.
Finding a medical facility that offers services for eating disorder treatment may be challenging. At Memorial Village ER, we can help with treatment. Our ER physician’s and psychiatrist are here 24/7.
While there are mental health implications to eating disorders, there are also physical ones.
What are the symptoms of eating disorders?
These are the following eating disorder symptoms to look out for:
- Fluctuations in weight (gaining or losing)
- Stomach cramps
- Irregularities with the menstrual cycle
- Fainting
- Sleep problems
- Muscle weakness
- Appearing uncomfortable eating with others
- Refusal to eat specific foods
- Frequent dieting
- Extreme mood swings
- Overtly concerned about their appearance
This is just a sample list of the symptoms common with most eating disorders. Specific eating disorders can be identified on other symptoms exclusive to the condition. For example, anorexia symptoms include:
- Dramatic weight loss
- Dressing in layers to cover such weight loss
- Making frequent comments about being fat
For bulimia, you may be dealing with symptoms such as:
- Calluses on the back of your hands or knuckles, common with self-induced vomiting
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
If you notice some of these symptoms in anyone, it may be possible they are dealing with an eating disorder. You want to make sure they get the immediate care they need.
Can you go to the ER for an eating disorder?
Yes, it can get to the point where you need to visit the emergency room due to an eating disorder. It can be due to the following symptoms –
For anorexic patients:
- Abnormally low blood pressure
- Decreased or irregular heartbeat
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Dysfunction of the liver
- Seizures caused by very low blood sugars
For bulimic patients:
- Vomiting blood
- Severe dehydration
- Difficulty swallowing foods/liquids
Emergency Psychiatric needs may be reason to visit Memorial Village ER. Our ER specializes in:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal Ideation
- Bi-polar
- Personality Disorder
- OCD
While eating disorders are not an emergency – they can lead to one. The sooner you get treated, the better. Visit Memorial Village for the help you need now.
