Psychodietetics is an interdisciplinary science that combines knowledge in the field of dietetics and psychology, focusing on proper human eating habits. Specialists in this field provide support to people struggling with eating disorders.
What does psychodietetics do?
In psychodietetics, the most important role is played by the influence of the patient’s emotional state on the way of eating and the irregularities that appear in this context. The sources of disorders such as anorexia, bulimia or excessive eating are hidden in the human psyche.
The first meetings with the patient are used to learn about their eating habits, difficulties in this area and emotional problems resulting in improper nutrition. Further support consists in monitoring compliance with the rules of the established diet and correcting any irregularities.
A psychodietician helps the patient find safe ways to cope with emotions, build a healthy approach to food, and often improve the way they perceive their own body.
If the cause of improper nutrition is more serious conditions, such as personality disorders or depression, a psychodietitian may recommend therapy aimed at treating these problems.
When is it worth using the help of a psychodietician?
It is worth deciding to visit a psychodietician primarily in the case of:
- emotional eating, i.e. eating food under the influence of emotions, e.g. stress or anxiety,
- eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia,
- problems with the treatment of overweight and obesity, the main cause of which is difficulties with adherence to the diet,
inability to maintain healthy eating habits.