What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, are complex, potentially life-threatening psychiatric illnesses that involve severe disturbances in eating behaviors, and the distressing thoughts and feelings associated with body weight and shape. Anorexia Nervosa involves self-starvation and an intense fear of gaining weight, while Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like purging (vomiting, excessive exercise). These conditions require immediate, specialized, and often multidisciplinary care.

Integrated Medical and Psychiatric Expertise

Given the serious medical risks associated with eating disorders, Dr. Sravani Behara’s expertise as a medical doctor and psychiatrist is crucial. Our care is provided as part of a collaborative team, working with nutritionists and physicians to ensure physical health stabilization is prioritized alongside psychiatric treatment. We conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments to identify and treat underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD, which frequently co-exist with eating disorders.

Common Issues We Address

• Significant restriction of food intake or extreme fear of weight gain (Anorexia).

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (Bulimia).

• Severe body image distortion and preoccupation with weight/shape.

• Co-occurring mood, anxiety, or personality disorders.

• Nutritional deficiencies, electrolyte imbalance, or other physical complications.

• Functional impairment in academic, professional, or social settings.

A Path Toward Full Recovery

Treatment involves careful medication management to target co-existing conditions and emotional dysregulation. We employ psychological interventions designed to challenge disordered thoughts about food and body and normalize eating patterns. Dr. Behara’s comprehensive approach focuses on long-term recovery, empowering patients to heal their relationship with food and achieve genuine self-acceptance.

How to Support Someone with an Eating Disorder

• Avoid focus on food, weight, or body: Do not compliment weight loss or criticize weight gain. Focus conversation on their interests, feelings, and life outside of their body.

• Be non-judgmental: Avoid guilt-tripping or lecturing them about the harm they are doing; this only increases shame.

• Encourage professional help: Firmly but compassionately encourage them to attend appointments and stick to the treatment plan.

• Focus on feelings: Recognize that the eating disorder is often a way of coping with uncomfortable emotions. Encourage them to talk about their feelings rather than their food intake.