Signs and symptoms
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, or if you or your family or friends are concerned about your dietary habits you may have an eating disorder:
- unreasonable fear of being fat or gaining weight
- extensive efforts to control weight (e.g. strict dieting, vomiting, use of purgatives, excessive exercise)
- denial that weight or eating habits are a problem
- low mood, anxiety, or irritability
- obsessional symptoms
Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically show:
- severe dieting, despite very low weight
- distorted body image (i.e. an unreasonable belief that one is overweight)
- irregular or no periods
Individuals with bulimia typically show:
- binge-eating (i.e. eating large amounts of food in a few hours)
- attempts to eliminate food by vomiting, diuretic or laxative use
An individual may show both anorexic and bulimic patterns at different times.
Options
There are many treatment options for eating disorders. The right approach for you depends your specific symptoms, issues, and strengths, as well as the severity of the disorder. To be most effective, treatment for an eating disorder must address both the physical and psychological aspects of the problem. The goal is to treat any medical or nutritional needs, promote a healthy relationship with food, and teach constructive ways to cope with life and its challenges.
In anorexia nervosa:
- it is helpful for the doctor or treatment provider to see you alone as well as with your family
- consider your concerns about the negative effects of anorexia nervosa on aspects of your life
- educate yourself about food and weight
- set manageable goals in agreement with your doctor
- a supportive family member or friend may be able to help you achieve your goals
- seeing a dietician may be helpful to establish normal calorie and nutrient intake and regular patterns of eating
- a return to normal eating habits may be a distant goal
- access counselling
In bulimia nervosa:
- keeping a food diary can be a useful therapeutic tool
- be aware of the need to eat regularly throughout the day (three meals, plus two snacks) to reduce urges to binge
- set gradual goals for your treatment
- identify psychological and physiological triggers for binge eating and make clear plans to cope
- consider your beliefs about weight, shape, and eating (e.g. carbohydrates are fattening)
- access counselling
- self-help groups, leaflets, and books may be helpful in explaining the diagnosis clearly
Friends and family
If you notice the warning signs of an eating disorder in a friend or family member, you may be hesitant to say anything out of fear that you're mistaken, that you'll say the wrong thing, or you might alienate the person. Although it's difficult to bring up the subject, don't let these worries keep you from voicing concerns.
Aside from offering support, the most important thing you can do for a person with an eating disorder is to encourage treatment. The longer an eating disorder remains undiagnosed and untreated, the harder it is on the body and the more difficult to overcome.
If your friend or family member is hesitant to see a doctor or professional ask them to get a physical just to put your worries at rest. It may help if you offer to make the appointment or go along on the first visit.