Comprehensive eating-disorder treatment with psychologists in Palamós and Girona

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting more young people and adults each year. Anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder are the best known, but partial forms can be equally disabling. Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach are key to recovery.

At Clínica Eupnea, in Palamós and serving the whole Girona region, we offer comprehensive treatment with a team of specialised psychologists, nutritionists and physicians working in coordination. This article explains how to spot the signs, what treatment involves, and how our team can help.

Types of eating disorders and symptoms

• Anorexia nervosa: severe food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, body image distortion, low weight for age/height
• Bulimia nervosa: recurring binges followed by compensatory behaviours (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise)
• Binge eating disorder: binges without compensatory behaviour; most common in adults
• ARFID: avoidant/restrictive intake from textures, choking fear, or lack of interest — without body image disturbance
• Orthorexia: obsession with 'healthy' eating to a pathological degree
• OSFED: partial forms not meeting all criteria but equally serious

Warning signs

• Rapid or unexplained weight loss/changes
• Eating in isolation; food rituals
• Intense fear of gaining weight; constant body checking
• Going to the bathroom after meals (self-induced vomiting)
• Compulsive exercise
• Loss of menstruation, fatigue, feeling cold, hair loss
• Emotional changes: anxiety, depression, irritability, low self-esteem
• Frequent comments about diet, calories or weight

Causes and risk factors

Eating disorders are multifactorial: genetics, neurobiology, personality (perfectionism, low self-esteem), social and cultural pressures, trauma and family dynamics all play a role. There is no single cause, but a combination of vulnerabilities that precipitate the illness, often in adolescence or at life-change milestones.

Comprehensive treatment

Our approach combines:

• Individual psychotherapy: CBT focused on eating disorders (CBT-E), family-based treatment (FBT) in adolescents, EMDR for trauma
• Nutritional support: education, flexible meal plans, weight restoration, food diversification
• Medical monitoring: vital signs, blood tests, hormonal and bone health
• Psychiatry if needed: for comorbidities (anxiety, depression, OCD) or medication
• Family work: psychoeducation, parent groups, healthy communication at home
• Relapse prevention: maintenance follow-up for 1-2 years

Our team in Palamós and Girona

At Clínica Eupnea we have a team specialised in eating disorders with psychologists trained in this area, dietitians-nutritionists and physicians. We work in network with Girona-based professionals and, if necessary, refer to high-intensity hospital units. We offer in-person and online sessions according to needs.