Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious psychiatric and medical conditions that involve a persistent disturbance in eating behavior and a damaging relationship with food, weight, and body image. They carry among the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition — making early, expert intervention critical. Dr. Mirza provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and evidence-based treatment for eating disorders in Hamilton, NJ, addressing both the psychological drivers and the medical consequences of each condition.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severely restricted food intake, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of one's own body. Despite serious medical consequences — including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, bone density loss, and cardiac complications — individuals with anorexia often resist treatment because the disorder distorts self-perception. Psychiatric care focuses on restoring psychological health alongside nutritional rehabilitation, addressing the underlying anxiety, perfectionism, and distorted body image that drive restrictive behavior.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise. These behaviors are typically carried out in secret and accompanied by intense shame and guilt. Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia are often within a normal weight range, which can mask the severity of the condition. Psychiatric treatment — including medication management with SSRIs and evidence-based psychotherapy — is highly effective for bulimia and can significantly reduce binge-purge frequency.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is characterized by recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control and significant distress — but without the purging behaviors seen in bulimia. BED is closely associated with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Dr. Mirza provides psychiatric evaluation to address the emotional drivers of binge behavior and develops a treatment plan that may include medication, psychotherapy, and coordinated care with other providers.