Relapse of Eating Disorders

As hard as it is to recover from an eating disorder, relapsing right back is a very common occurrence. In a relapse, a person resumes their old disorderly eating habits after a brief period of remission. Binging and purging for example, can be resumed by a bulimic after a short hiatus.

Researches into eating disorders have shown that about one third of people suffering from eating disorders experience a relapse.

This relapse can happen after any level of recovery – partial or complete. A person, whose willing to maintain normal Body Mass Index or not binge eat, can go back to their old habits. Relapse into eating disorders have been on the rise and have become a significant problem with almost 60% of those recovered relapsing.

There are many factors that contribute to having a relapse or expedite it. Usually the relapse happens after six to seven months and affects mostly anorexics and bulimics. If a person is able to sustain themselves without relapsing for an year, they most usually continue to do well and recover completely putting their disorders behind them.

It is often seen that those who are highly motivated and make great progress in the early stages of recovery tend to succumb and relapse. If the person who wishes to recover has targeted a goal weight which is not suitable with the BMI, they will either relapse or continue to have distorted body images.

Presence of obsessive compulsion is common in those who suffer from eating disorders. People having both eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders are at a higher risk since they eat or refrain from it compulsively.

Stressful live events are often triggers for relapse. Those who have achieved partial remission continue to be the group that is at a higher risk of relapse.

Family therapies are often suggested as a method to prevent relapse. Having an understanding, affable and warm environment is conducive to recovery and can really help. However if a relapse does occur, remember your past achievements and the pain you had to go through to achieve a normal life. Fight off your urges as much as you can.