Eating Disorders

Eating Disorder Evaluation & Treatment in Boca Raton & Weston, FL

If you or your child is struggling with unhealthy eating behaviors, body image concerns, or symptoms of an eating disorder, Dr. Priti Kothari provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for eating disorders in Boca Raton and Weston, FL. As a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, Dr. Kothari evaluates and treats adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and emotional overeating. Serving patients throughout Boca Raton, Weston, Delray Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida, she develops individualized treatment plans that may include medication management, coordination with therapists, nutrition professionals, primary care physicians, and other specialists to support both emotional and physical recovery.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a collection of psychiatric disorders characterized by abnormal eating that have a negative effect on a patient’s medical, emotional and social well-being. The disorders are usually caused by complex interactions between genetic, psychological, social, and biological factors and are often present along with other illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, impulse control disorders and substance abuse. Females are particularly at risk with 90% of all eating disorders occurring in females, although eating disorders are a growing concern in the male population as well.  Unfortunately for parents, many eating disorders begin to develop during the teen years, when adolescents are spending more time away from their parents, and often times have become more adept at concealing things from their parents.  Disorders such as bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, binge eating disorder, and emotional overeating are medically treatable illnesses. The key is to identify the signs and symptoms early and seek professional treatment as the condition has risks to become chronic in nature.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a distorted body image, low self-esteem, obsession with weight and thinness, fear of gaining weight, and food restriction. Many people suffering from anorexia nervosa see themselves as overweight despite being clinically underweight. It often occurs in people who are seen as perfectionists and high achievers. Anorexia nervosa is particularly devastating as it can cause brain damage, multi-organ failure, infertility, anemia, and in some cases death.

Symptoms often include:

• Low body weight
• Severe food restriction
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Obsession with weight and weighing oneself
• Food rituals (cutting food into tiny pieces, hiding food, refusal to eat in public)
• Lack of menstruation in females
• May include use of laxatives, emetics, and excessive exercise
• Muscle wasting, brittle hair and nails, dry skin

Bulimia

Bulimia is frequently associated with anorexia nervosa, though they are not the same, and both can occur individually or in combination. Bulimia is characterized by frequent and repeated episodes of binge eating, or excess consumption of food, followed by a compensatory reaction to overeating which may include forced vomiting, periods of fasting, excessive exercise, and/or use of laxatives or enemas. Bulimics are more likely to suffer from depression, general anxiety disorder, and impulse control disorders. Unlike anorexics, bulimics are usually at a normal weight or even overweight, which may mask the presence of the disorder.

Symptoms include:

• Normal weight or overweight
• Fear of gaining weight
• Frequent use of the bathroom, which may include prolonged running of the faucet
• Bad breath
• Chronic gastric reflux
• Chronically inflamed sore throat
• Severe dental erosion
• Marks, scars, or calluses on hands and fingers from self-induced vomiting
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
• Dramatic weight fluctuations

Other Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorders and emotional overeating are characterized by repeated excessive intake of food. Many patients are challenged with using food as a coping tool with stress and benefit greatly from education, nutritional counseling and therapy. A psychiatrist can often help identify the primary cause(s) of emotional overeating.

Why Choose Dr. Kothari for Eating Disorders in South Florida?

Patients and families throughout Boca Raton, Weston, and South Florida trust Dr. Priti Kothari for compassionate, evidence-based care for eating disorders. Board certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry, Dr. Kothari performs comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to identify eating disorders and any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or mood disorders. She develops personalized treatment plans based on each patient's medical and emotional needs while collaborating with therapists, nutritionists, pediatricians, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Her goal is to help patients develop healthier relationships with food, improve emotional well-being, and achieve lasting recovery.

Eating Disorders FAQs

What are the most common eating disorders?

Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and emotional overeating. Each condition has unique symptoms and requires individualized evaluation and treatment.

What are the warning signs of an eating disorder?

Signs may include significant weight changes, restrictive eating, binge eating, frequent vomiting, excessive exercise, fear of gaining weight, body image concerns, food rituals, social withdrawal, or using food to cope with emotions.

Can children and teenagers develop eating disorders?

Yes. Eating disorders commonly begin during adolescence but can affect children and adults of all ages. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce the risk of long-term physical and emotional complications.

How are eating disorders treated?

Treatment may include psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, medical monitoring, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary treatment team to address both physical and emotional health.

Can eating disorders occur with other mental health conditions?

Yes. Eating disorders frequently occur alongside anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. Treating co-occurring conditions is an important part of recovery.

When should I seek professional help?

If you or your child is experiencing unhealthy eating behaviors, rapid weight changes, obsessive thoughts about food or body image, or emotional distress related to eating, it is important to seek a professional evaluation as early intervention can improve outcomes.

Schedule an Eating Disorder Evaluation in Boca Raton or Weston, FL

If you or your loved one is showing signs of an eating disorder, early intervention can play a vital role in recovery and long-term health. Dr. Priti Kothari provides comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and personalized psychiatric care for adolescents and adults with eating disorders throughout Boca Raton, Weston, Delray Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and South Florida. Contact our Boca Raton or Weston office today to schedule an appointment and begin a compassionate, individualized treatment plan focused on restoring emotional well-being and overall health.