Eating Disorders are serious psychological disorders that influence all aspects of the affected person’s life. Although the most visible is the relationship with food, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Its causes are multiple and varied, but there is always a common denominator: low self-esteem.
It is estimated that there are more than 70 million people affected in the world by this type of disorder. When we talk about this figure, we are not counting family members and the environment, who also suffer indirectly from eating disorders every day
The relationship between Eating Disorders and the family
If we look back, the role of the family in the treatment of eating disorders has been evolving over time.
In the first treatments applied (before the seventies) the family was excluded because it was considered a causal factor or important part of the disorder. In this way, the person who suffered from the disease was isolated, understanding that in this way he would improve.
However, in the late 70s, Authors like Minuchin or Palazzoli begin to be aware that this separation is not beneficial, so they begin to apply family therapy
Psychology has also sought to identify an “EDD Family Profile” that is repeated from one case to another. This is not entirely possible, since as previously mentioned, this disorder responds to multicausal etiology.
Currently, the role of families in treatment is increasingly taken into account From my point of view, it is essential that we have the patient’s family members as active agents in the therapeutic process.
How do families get to the consultation?
In general, your psychological state is as follows:
Disoriented and lost
They do not understand what is happening or how they could have gotten into that situation On many occasions they are not aware of what is happening, on other occasions they suspected that something was happening but did not know what or the seriousness of the matter. Some even deny the problem.
Scared and distressed
Not having control of the situation, they feel bad.
Blamed
Many times, family members feel guilty about their loved one’s situation.
With the role of parents blurred
They have lost the role of parent, or they do not know how to exercise it Sometimes the situation leads them to become “police or detectives” trying to look for wrappers or leftover food in their child’s room, or listening behind the bathroom door.
What can we do for families?
Some recommendations to follow for family members of people with eating disorders are the following.
1. Listen to them
Give them a space where they can express themselves Perhaps the consultation will be the first time they can express everything they feel since previously they may have hidden it or seen it as taboo.
Give them information about the condition of their loved one about the disease you suffer from, what the symptoms are and the prognosis.
3. Support them
It is important that they find support in the psychologist. It is essential that we help them get rid of the guilt they feel, influencing the difference between guilt and responsibility
4. Teach them tools
Provide necessary guidelines on a day-to-day basis. It is appropriate to work with them on assertiveness so that they can have good communication at home.
5. Encourage them to recover the role of parents
On the one hand, they must set the necessary limits proportionate to the situation and age of their family member. And on the other, It is important that they recover the relationship they had before the disease began
6. Caring for the caregiver
ED cannot dominate your entire life. They should take care of and pamper themselves, having time for themselves and their hobbies.
7. Motivate them and encourage their patience
The treatment of an eating disorder is complicated and ups and downs are frequent so we can help them be prepared.
Intervention levels
According to Walter Vandereycken and his collaborators, there are four levels of psychological intervention to consider.
Definitely, We must see family members and the environment as allies in the treatment of ED In this way we will all row in the same direction to achieve a better evolution and prognosis for your loved one.
Author: Laura Martín Pato, General Health Psychologist, member of the Matía Psychology Center and Online Therapy Center.
