Screen for Eating Disorder Symptoms
There is a quick screening tool that can give you an idea if you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder. While eating disorder symptoms are vast, these questions will indicate if there is a problem.
Do you ever want to get rid of your food because you feel too full?
This question indicates bulimic characteristics. There are many versions of bulimic behavior, so do not assume it involves vomiting. If a person feels they have gotten too full, they may try a variety of techniques to purge it. This includes, but is not limited to: restriction, laxatives, overexercise, etc.
Do you ever feel as though you have no control over the amount you eat?
The most common indicator of an eating disorder is feeling out of control with food. This feeling is common in compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder and bulimia. If you or someone you know feels this way, you need to get help.
Have you lost 15 pounds recently, particularly in a 3 month period?
Obviously this question is pointing at anorexic behaviors. Do note, this is excessive weight loss from any starting weight. The individual suffering with anorexic habits may not actually be underweight. If someone starts out at a weight above normal, they can lose a lot of weight and still appear healthy. It is just as crucial for a person who remains in a normal range to get treatment for their disorder.
Do others say you look fine, but you still see yourself as fat?
This question is also important even if others are not saying you are too thin, but even just fine or not fat. If what you see in yourself is very different from what others see, there is a good chance you are struggling with some level of body dysmorphic disorder. It is important to get appropriate help with this disorder as it can be very destructive to your life.
Would you say that food dominates your life?
This is an issue that people with all types of eating disorders will have. A person who is trapped in an eating disorder will be constantly focused on food and body. Life loses all enjoyment when the thoughts are only about what foods they should and shouldn't eat. A person cannot fully experience life when they are trapped in their own thoughts about food.
You are probably struggling with an eating disorder if you answered yes to at least two of the above questions. Recovery from an eating disorder requires professional treatment. Though some people have been able to quit engaging in behaviors alone, their underlying problems have not be solved. If someone is dealing with the above thoughts or scenarios, it is critical to immediately seek treatment. - 17273
Do you ever want to get rid of your food because you feel too full?
This question indicates bulimic characteristics. There are many versions of bulimic behavior, so do not assume it involves vomiting. If a person feels they have gotten too full, they may try a variety of techniques to purge it. This includes, but is not limited to: restriction, laxatives, overexercise, etc.
Do you ever feel as though you have no control over the amount you eat?
The most common indicator of an eating disorder is feeling out of control with food. This feeling is common in compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder and bulimia. If you or someone you know feels this way, you need to get help.
Have you lost 15 pounds recently, particularly in a 3 month period?
Obviously this question is pointing at anorexic behaviors. Do note, this is excessive weight loss from any starting weight. The individual suffering with anorexic habits may not actually be underweight. If someone starts out at a weight above normal, they can lose a lot of weight and still appear healthy. It is just as crucial for a person who remains in a normal range to get treatment for their disorder.
Do others say you look fine, but you still see yourself as fat?
This question is also important even if others are not saying you are too thin, but even just fine or not fat. If what you see in yourself is very different from what others see, there is a good chance you are struggling with some level of body dysmorphic disorder. It is important to get appropriate help with this disorder as it can be very destructive to your life.
Would you say that food dominates your life?
This is an issue that people with all types of eating disorders will have. A person who is trapped in an eating disorder will be constantly focused on food and body. Life loses all enjoyment when the thoughts are only about what foods they should and shouldn't eat. A person cannot fully experience life when they are trapped in their own thoughts about food.
You are probably struggling with an eating disorder if you answered yes to at least two of the above questions. Recovery from an eating disorder requires professional treatment. Though some people have been able to quit engaging in behaviors alone, their underlying problems have not be solved. If someone is dealing with the above thoughts or scenarios, it is critical to immediately seek treatment. - 17273
About the Author:
Jennifer Pereira, RD, LD, CSCS specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. She has written extensively on the subject, and you can learn more about eating disorders by visiting her website.
posted by X - Men at
3:06 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home