Eating Disorders
Eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, compulsive eating, binge eating and being overly concerned with body image (often called "body dysmorphic disorder").
In children, preteens or young adults, being overly concerned with dieting or exhibiting any form of eating disorder should not be dismissed as "being
cool" or a fad. It is not okay to induce
vomiting after eating or to be always thinking and talking about body
image. Children and adults who exhibit these behaviors are putting
their lives and health at risk. Please review the descriptions
of eating disorders below to help you understand more about each disorder and the appropriate road to recovery.
We are here to understand and to help. If you
or a family member experience difficulties with eating disorders, please call our office at (512) 306-9992 for a
free initial consultation. Or scroll down and complete the form below.
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Bulimia Nervosa
This condition involves frequent episodes of binge eating, almost always followed by purging and intense feelings of guilt or shame. The individual feels out of control and recognizes that the behavior is not normal.
Bulimia commonly begins in the late teens or early twenties over concerns about weight and body image. Bulimia can quickly escalate to behaviors used to gain control over troubling emotions.
Bulimia Danger Signals:
- Binge eating or eating uncontrollably
- Purging by strict dieting, fasting, vigorous exercise, vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight
- Using the bathroom frequently after meals; using sound to mask behavior
- Preoccupation with body weight
- Depression or mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depression relieved by purging
- Changes in regularity of menstrual periods
- Developing dental problems, swollen cheeks and glands, heartburn and/or bloating
- Experiencing personal or family problems with alcohol or drugs
- Excessive and/or underage use of alcohol; use of recreational drugs
Click here to read a recent article about new developments in bulimia treatment.
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| Compulsive Eating and Binge Eating
Like victims of bulimia nervosa, compulsive eaters and overweight binge eaters also experience uncontrolled eating, usually kept secret. Both groups also experience depression, irritability and/or anxiety and 30 percent experience other psychological problems. Up to 40 percent of people who are obese may be binge eaters.
Binge Eating Danger Signals:
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Episodes of binge eating, eating far more than serving-size portions rapidly and in secret, either consciously or unconsciously to "feel better"
- Eating when not physically hungry
- Frequent dieting
- Feeling unable to stop eating voluntarily
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Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal
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Weight fluctuations
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Depressed mood
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Social and professional successes and failures attributed to weight
Constant dieting, binge eating, overeating, purging and compulsive exercise are all behaviors used to deal with stress, painful feelings and other problems. Living your life by using these coping mechanisms can be too difficult to overcome without the assistance of a professional counselor.
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| Eating Disorder Self-Test
Answer "True" or "False" for the following statements. Keep a record of your answers on a sheet of paper.
- Even though people tell me I'm thin, I feel fat.
- I get anxious if I can't exercise.
- I worry about what I will eat.
- If I gain weight, I get anxious and depressed.
- I feel guilty when I eat.
- I get anxious when people watch me eat.
- I would rather die than be fat.
- I would rather eat by myself than with family or friends.
- I don't talk much about my fear of being fat because no one understands how I feel.
- I have a secret stash of food that is predominately high in simple sugar.
- I lie about what, when and how much I eat.
- I get anxious, irritable and sometimes angry when people urge me to eat.
- I won't admit it to anyone, but sometimes I think that my eating or exercising is not normal.
- I sometimes wish I were not here.
Please add up your answers. If you have:
1 to 3 answers marked "true"
This indicates some preoccupation with weight and appearance. Reevaluate your thinking and behavior.
4 to 6 answers marked "true"
There is reason for concern. Please check with your doctor and a counselor.
7 or more marked "true"
You are in danger. Please make an appointment right now with your doctor and our office for a thorough evaluation. You may call (512) 306-9992, or scroll down and complete the quick form below.
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The Road to Recovery
Recovering from an eating disorder requires more than simply giving up starvation tactics, stuffing, purging or compulsive exercising. It means learning to understand yourself better and replace old ways of functioning with new and more effective ways of getting what you want and need.
In fact, you won't be able to give up disordered behaviors until you find healthier ways of thinking and taking care of yourself.
- Never let yourself get so hungry that you are tempted to binge. The best way to avoid a binge is to eat something every three to four hours ... period.
- Protein and a healthy fat must be a part of each meal and snack. When you feel uncomfortable, take a few minutes to discover what is causing the discomfort. Allow yourself to think about what you discover. Plan what you need to do to soothe yourself.
- Until you make some progress, avoid situations that trigger unhealthy behavior. When you feel stronger, plan new ways to deal with triggers that won't limit or isolate you.
- Find a satisfying way to feel self-reliant and proud of your contribution to your family, friends, associates and community.
- Spend time every day with friends or family in person or on the phone.
- Everyday do something of quality about which you can be proud.
- Realize that everything you do is a choice. Replace "I should" and "I must" with "I want to" and "I choose to."
- Schedule an activity every day for fun, for something you want to do and can look forward to doing. Fun is a great way to release tension and frustration. It's also an antidote for depression.
- Talk things over with a trusted resource person -- a parent, friend, pastor, school counselor, physician or mental health therapist.
It's smart to get a more healthy perspective and it's wise to ask for help. Call (512) 306-9992, or scroll down and complete the quick form below. We will return your inquiry promptly.
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