Today marks World Eating Disorders Action Day, aimed at improving outcomes in the treatment of eating disorders by advocating for early intervention, increasing research initiatives, breaking down barriers to care and promoting that the treatment of eating disorders is possible. Read more here.
On the topic of eating disorder prevention, did you know, certain personality traits and behaviours, may lead to an increased vulnerability to eating disorders?
The ‘hold’ of an eating disorder can be life changing and may be difficult to recover from, making prevention all the more important. Being mindful of and paying closer attention to the factors that can influence the development of eating disorders is a critical first step towards prevention.
Research has shown there are certain 'pre eating disorder' personality traits associated with the occurrence of eating disorders. If we are more aware of which personalities cause individuals to have an increased vulnerability to an eating disorder, this knowledge can be used as a means of prevention to reduce the risk of the eating disorder taking control.
Anorexia:
- Rigid, risk averse, anxious, obsessive, persistent, perfectionist, black and white thinker, catastrophic thinker and must live by the rules.
Bulimia/Binge eating
- Risk taking, impulsive, approval seeking, anxiety and high level of dependence.
I am a big believer in early prevention of eating disorders and hope to see greater work in this area in the near future.
Casey Dick | Passionate Dedicated Natural Nutritionist | Brisbane, Australia, Dietary Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Orthorexia, Restrictive Eating, Body image, Picky Eating, Mindful Eating, Non-Dieting Approach, Healthy Relationship With Food, Healthy Weight Maintenance, Body Dysmorphic Disorder.