Eating disorders are the general name for several sub-mental illnesses that can, in more severe cases, cause distress to those affected. They lead to isolation, anxiety and depression. Although the majority of sufferers are women, the percentage of male patients is increasing. However, all eating disorders have some basic features in common. We can find out if this diagnosis applies to us by asking a few simple questions.

• Do I think about my figure or weight almost every day, sometimes several times a day?
• Do you feel that food is your enemy?
• Do thoughts of food trigger any of these emotions in me: disgust, fear, shame, anxiety, remorse, discomfort?
• Do I have low self-confidence and often doubt myself?
• Actually, I don't even like myself very much?

If we answer most of these questions in the affirmative, we should pause and realize that it is time to start freeing ourselves from the "bondage of food". We treat eating disorders with specialized psychotherapeutic methods, depending on the type of disorder. The psychotherapeutic process can also be supported by psychopharmaceuticals in severe cases.