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Health and Wellness
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PREVENTION & TREATMENT OF DIGESTIVE DISEASES: • Abdominal Pain Evaluation • Acid Reflux & Ulcer Treatment • Liver Disease Treatment & Evaluating • Colon Cancer Screening • Gastrointestinal Bleeding Management • Hemorrhoid & Fissure Treatment • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease • Gallstones & Gall Bladder Disease • Pancreatic Diseases 25 Monroe Street Bridgewater, NJ (908) 231-1999 203 Towne Centre Dr. Hillsborough, NJ (908) 359-1639 1140 Stelton Rd., Suite 101 Piscataway, NJ (732) 339-8810 Stephen R. Shapiro, M.D. Jeffrey S. Unger, M.D. Surya P. Irakam, M.D., FACP, FACG Robert S. Wiesen, M.D. We specialize in Gastroenterology, which is the treatment of diseases and disorders of the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IS IT AN EATING DISORDER? Douglas Haymaker, Ph.D Stephanie Haymaker, Ph.D Stories about eating disorders are often in the news – some enlight- ening and some sensational. It can be hard to know what to do if you or a loved one is struggling. Years of clinical studies point to one cer- tainty. Eating disorders are about much more than eating. In a cul- ture obsessed with appearance and dieting, how do you recognize when a person’s behaviors have become dangerous? The Diagnostic and Statistical Man- ual for Mental Disorders – Fifth Edi- tion (DSM-5) now categorizes eat- ing disorders (ED) into three cate- gories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by severe restricting of food intake, fear of gaining weight, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight and body image distortion. Weight loss may be so significant that the per- son becomes medically unstable. Bulimia Nervosa is diagnosed when a person binge eats a large amount of food, and then tries to undo the binge, either with vomiting, abus- ing laxatives or over-exercising. He/she often feels stressed and guilty about these actions. Binge Eating Disorder, the most recent addition to the DSM-5, involves fre- quent binges when not physically hungry, without the purging behaviors of bulimia. There is shame, embarrassment and guilt and a sense of loss of control. All three disorders involve disor- dered eating, concerns and misper- ceptions regarding appearance, and sometimes (but not always) severe distress and discomfort. There are medical and psychologi- cal factors at play. The conse- quences of these illnesses can be severe, and at times fatal. Other mental health issues can co-exist with these problems, most fre- quently depression, anxiety and substance abuse. One of the most perplexing ques- tions is why? Why do some people develop these issues and others do not? There are many factors that may contribute. There are biologi- cal contributions such as genetics and temperament. There are social and cultural issues such as societal pressures to be thin and unrealistic messages about appearance sent through ads, television and film. Also, social media may distort our expectations about ourselves and our lives. Psychological factors often include low self-esteem, diffi- culty with coping, perfectionism and lack of healthy boundaries. The good news is that treatment is available to help those in trouble move on to healthier behaviors and a more balanced life. Most treat- ment is multidimensional, involving psychotherapy, nutritional educa- tion and medical monitoring. Med- ications can also be helpful to address anxiety and depression issues when present. The first step is to identify the problem. It is an act of great courage to reach out and seek assistance. Many people suffer in silence for years before they ask for help. The more you can educate yourself about these ques- tions and answers, the better able you are to take action for yourself or your loved one. Dr. Stephanie Haymaker is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience. She is presently a partner at Haymaker and Haymaker Psychological Services, a private practice setting where your confidentiality is assured, in Bridgewater, NJ. For eight years she was a clinical supervisor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. The co- author of Principled Commitment, a guide for marital enrichment, she also specializes in the areas of marital therapy, women’s issues, and therapy with children and adolescents. “Spot It” and send your answer with your name, town & phone number to: spotthefake@theconnectionsnj.com Subject Line: FAKE Somewhere in the magazine is a theconnectionsnj.com