By: Megan Samuels, MSW, LCSW-C, Trauma and Eating Disorder Therapist The Eating Disorder Center provides therapy for orthorexia in Rockville, Maryland serving Bethesda, Potomac, Gaithersburg, and Olney - and virtually throughout Maryland. We also offer eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and throughout the state of Virginia, as well as in Washington, D.C., Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and California. What is Orthorexia? Orthorexia is an eating disorder marked by an obsessive focus on consuming only “clean” or “healthy” foods. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) does not yet officially recognize orthorexia as a distinct eating disorder, its prevalence has been rising in recent years. This is partly due to the increasing popularity of various diets that emphasize "clean eating" and so called "healthy" food choices. The lack of formal diagnostic criteria can make it challenging for individuals to receive an official diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Similar to anorexia nervosa, orthorexia involves the restriction of certain food groups, inflexibility in food choices, potential weight loss, possible health risks, and disturbances in body image. However, orthorexia tends to be more focused on an obsession around the "quality" of the food and ingredients-as well as a fixation on "health" related to food. Important Note: Although orthorexia is not yet officially listed in the DSM-5, it is still a serious and potentially harmful disorder. Many people dealing with orthorexia experience significant emotional, physical, and psychological consequences. If you suspect that you may have orthorexia, seeking professional help is essential for your well-being. Signs of Orthorexia:
What Does "Eating Clean" Mean? "Eating clean" is a term often used in diet culture, but its meaning is subjective and varies widely. Generally, it refers to eating whole, unprocessed foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables or whole grains. It may also include eating foods like whole grain pasta or bread. The belief behind "clean eating" is that non-organic or processed foods are "dirty" or "unhealthy," but this assumption is very misleading and not based on scientific evidence. The reality is that no foods are "clean" or "dirty" or "healthy" vs. "unhealthy." ALL foods (barring genuine medical conditions) can fit into a healthy diet. Do You Struggle with Orthorexia? If you identify with any of the behaviors or signs listed above, you may be experiencing orthorexia. The next step is to consult with an eating disorder therapist for an evaluation and treatment. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery. There is often a crossover between orthorexia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as both can involve obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at 'reducing anxiety.' For those struggling with both orthorexia and OCD, our team has expertise in treating both disorders and the overlap between them. Treatment for Orthorexia: As with other eating disorders, treatment for orthorexia often involves therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Medical monitoring and interventions may also be necessary. At The Eating Disorder Center, our therapists are trained in these therapeutic approaches to provide effective support for those recovering from orthorexia. Sessions with clinicians on our team may entail food exposures, body image exposures, cognitive restructuring exercises, and general talk therapy to help you to un-tangle any fixed beliefs that you may be holding about diet culture or wellness culture. We specialize in therapy for orthorexia and are here to support you or your loved one in reclaiming a fulfilling life. Therapy can make a difference! Living with untreated orthorexia can be draining and severely limiting, often involving immense stress around food quality and food preparation. This can make social interactions and other aspects of life challenging and isolating. If you're struggling with orthorexia, take the first step and reach out to us to connect with a clinician experienced in treating this disorder. You don’t have to face this alone! Contact us by filling out our website form or calling us at 301-246-6856. In addition to orthorexia treatment, we offer therapy for eating disorders in Rockville, Maryland, and virtually across the state. We work with children, teens, and adults dealing with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. We also provide therapy for therapy for OSFED, therapy for ARFID, and treatment for compulsive exercise. Orthorexia can co-occur with other mental health conditions. Our team includes experts who specialize in treating eating disorders alongside trauma, eating disorders with OCD, and mood disorders. Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how eating disorder therapy or recovery coaching can help you to find freedom. 🌟 Available in MD, VA, DC, PA, NY, FL, and CA for eating disorder therapy 🌍 Offering recovery coaching worldwide The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in New York (NYC), Florida, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland and Virginia. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com
*Disclaimer: The information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for your independent medical decision-making nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.
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The Eating Disorder CenterWe are a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center in Rockville, Maryland.
We also provide eating disorder recovery coaching to people worldwide via Zoom. Click here to book your free 15 minute phone consultation! Phone: 301-246-6856 Email: [email protected] Archives
February 2025
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