Understanding ED Relapse: Causes, Warning Signs, Prevention Tips

Defining ED Relapse

In the context of eating disorders, relapse refers to a reoccurrence of disordered eating behaviors after a period of recovery. This may involve reverting back to restrictive dieting, bingeing, purging, over-exercising, or other unhealthy patterns.

Relapse does not mean treatment failure or that all progress is lost. It indicates the need to reassess the recovery process and get additional support. With proper management, periods of relapse can be overcome.

Types of Relapse

There are several types of ED relapse to be aware of:

• Slip - brief, minor instance of disordered behavior
• Lapse - more pronounced episode of ED behavior lasting a few days
• Full relapse - sustained return to disorder eating patterns

The sooner lapses and slips are identified, the easier it is to get back on track before a full relapse occurs.

Common Causes and Triggers for ED Relapse

It helps to understand the most prevalent factors that can lead to ED relapse so you can watch out for them during recovery.

Physical Triggers

• Hunger or fasting
• Weighing yourself frequently
• Looking at yourself critically in the mirror
• Trying on clothing that feels too tight

Environmental Triggers

• Exposure to media, ads or content promoting dieting
• Going to environments centered around food, weight or body shape
• Social settings that encourage disordered eating habits

Emotional Triggers

• Stress, anxiety or depression
• Low self-esteem
• Perfectionistic tendencies
• Trauma or PTSD
• Loneliness or social isolation

Life Changes and Transitions

• Starting college
• New living situation
• Beginning a new job
• Ending a relationship
• Illness or loss of a loved one

Being aware of your unique triggers allows you to prepare with appropriate coping strategies.

Early Warning Signs of ED Relapse

Catching the early signs of relapse gives you the chance to intervene before behaviours become more entrenched. Subtle cues to watch for include:

• Increased preoccupation with food, calories, weight
• Body dissatisfaction and frequent weighing
• Withdrawing from social activities, especially meals
• Delaying or skipping meals
• Return of urges to binge, restrict, purge, over-exercise
• Secretly acquiring diet pills, laxatives, vomiting tools
• Perfectionistic thoughts and guilt around food

Monitoring yourself for these red flags allows you to take swift action at the first sign of relapse risk.

Physical and Medical Warning Signs

There are also physical and medical symptoms that could indicate ED relapse:

• Fatigue, dizziness, fainting
• Insomnia or restless sleep
• Feeling cold, sensitive to temperatures
• Hair loss or brittle nails
• Dry skin, swollen cheeks or glands
• Gastrointestinal issues like constipation, acid reflux, bloating
• Irregular heart rhythms or blood pressure changes

Seek medical care if you experience concerning physical symptoms as they may reflect malnutrition or purging behaviors.

Tips to Prevent ED Relapse

While it's impossible to entirely control triggers, implementing proactive strategies can help prevent relapse:

Continue Treatment and Support

Stay engaged with your treatment team and attend support groups during recovery. Having ongoing access to care reduces relapse risk.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Keep away from environments or media that promote disordered eating. Surround yourself with positive social connections.

Practice Coping Skills

Use cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and other skills learned in treatment during challenging moments.

Maintain Recovery Behaviors

Stick to regular, balanced meals and snacks. Refrain from dieting, fasting, bingeing, purging. Stay active but get proper rest.

Have a Strong Support System

Talk openly with loved ones who understand your journey. They can help identify early signs of relapse.

Avoid Stress Build-Up

Make self-care and stress management daily priorities. Practice healthy coping mechanisms when feeling overwhelmed.

What to Do in the Event of ED Relapse

Relapsing back into eating disorder behaviors is highly discouraging. But remember it is not a failure, just a temporary setback. Here are constructive steps to take if you experience a relapse:

Reach Out for Help

Talk to your treatment providers, support network, or hotline to get back on track and prevent behaviors from progressing.

Avoid Self-Criticism and Shame

Be compassionate with yourself. Relapse is common in recovery. Refocus on taking positives steps.

Analyze What Prompted Relapse

Did certain triggers or stressors precede your lapse? Identifying patterns helps prevent future relapses.

Recommit to Recovery

Double down on your recovery plan by adding support meetings, therapy, nutritional guidance, etc as needed.

Address Underlying Factors

Work through emotional issues like depression, anxiety, trauma or insecurities that make you vulnerable to relapse.

Learn From It

Relapses provide vital insights into personal triggers. Use the experience to strengthen your recovery moving forward.

Creating an ED Relapse Prevention Plan

The most effective tool for avoiding relapse is having a detailed prevention plan in place. This involves:

Identifying Your Unique Triggers

What specific situations, thoughts, feelings make you prone to relapse? Become aware of your personal relapse cues.

Listing Coping Strategies

Note specific techniques, skills and supports that help you manage high-risk triggers and moments when you feel vulnerable.

Recognizing Your Early Warning Signs

Detect subtle cognitive, emotional and behavioral signs that signal you are at increased risk

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.