Eating disorders Q and A's

For a long time a person with an eating disorder hid his or her affliction from the world. They felt as if they were the only person affected and that they were alone in their battles. Some individuals did not even realize they had an eating disorder, just that the mirror was something to avoid at all costs. It was not until more and more people brought their plights to light and the world began to understand the secretive nature that plagued so many. Now education groups and therapists work each day to help people of all walks of life to come to grip with their eating disorder. This article can help provide some of the basic information if you or a loved one has an eating disorder.

What are the most common eating disorders?

The most common eating disorders that afflict people are bulimia, anorexia, binge eating with purging and binge eating without purging. Each is very similar in that the person who performs the act suffers from poor body image. All are very serious and can lead to death or serious bodily harm. All are serious diseases that can cause great harm to both the body and the mind. It is important to know the signs of an eating disorder and get help for yourself or someone you love as soon as possible.

What is the difference between the different types?

Anorexia is characterized by a resistance to gaining weight, even a normal weight. The person develops food rituals such as chewing their food excessively, going long periods without any food intake or exercising continuously to help lose weight. Bulimia is a disorder where the individual will eat a large amount of food in a very short time. The food is then purged from the body through self induced vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercising. Binge eating is very similar, both with and without purging, and involves the person going through phases where they cannot get enough food. The person will eat huge amounts and cannot control their behavior.

How many people have eating disorders?

It is estimated that five to ten million people, in the United States alone, suffer from some form of eating disorder. The amounts of people who do not come forward to seek help are estimated to be equal to that of the reported amounts. For many it is a secret shame that they keep hidden from their closest friends and family. Globally, this is a problem that is not hindered by race, sex or age and the numbers keep increasing as new disorders are diagnosed.

What type of information is available?

As the problem with eating disorders, and the sheer number of those afflicted come forward, there is many places to turn to for answers you might have. Many school therapists and doctors are trained in diagnosing an eating disorder problem and can provide recommendations for help. There are many self-help books available along with numerous websites that can explain the symptoms, or signs of an eating disorder, and provide local numbers to contact for further information.

I have an eating disorder. What can I do to get help?

You have made a very important first step. You realized you need help. Many people live their lives feeling as if they have a secret that they cannot share with anyone. Thankfully more people are realizing an eating disorder is and seeking the help they need. It is a silent killer that afflicts more people than you might realize. The next step you need to take is talking to a health professional. He or she can put you in touch with professionals trained to answer your questions and help you on the road to recovery. It is not easy and there will be moments when you feel that you will never be over it, but by improving the mind and being informed, you can begin to heal yourself. The hardest part is admitting you have a problem. It can be hard confessing something so personal to family and friends but you need a support network.

What if I suspect a family member of having an eating disorder?

There are signs that a person has an eating disorder. Many of the signs depend on the type of disorder they have but some are common. The first is being obsessive over their body image. They may make comments regarding being overweight when clearly they are not. With eating disorders, the mind has a distorted sense of self. The person looks in the mirror and only sees their weight or excess fat. Even those above their recommended weight can see themselves as being bigger than they actually are. It is a sense of self-loathing that drives them.

Other signs may be eating huge meals at one sitting and then rushing to exercise. Purging may not be obvious to you because it is something they do in secret. For those who use laxatives as a means of weight loss, an overabundance of laxatives will be the first clue.

Can you be overweight and still have an eating disorder?

Yes, though for many years overweight people were never considered to have an eating disorder due to their size. This is a fallacy that has cost many people their lives. Eating disorders can affect anyone. Binge eating among overweight people was once considered to be simply poor will power on the eaters' part. This is not true. The same psychological effects that plague the emaciated can be the same in the overweight. The same physical effects of an eating disorder can still kill a heavier person just as easily as a thin one.

Are there medications available?

The most common treatment for an eating disorder is a combination of psychotherapy and group counseling. If the root cause is an underlying medical condition such as depression, the doctors may prescribe a medication. Often eating disorders harm the body and cause internal damage to the tissues and organs. If the disorder has caused harm, medication may be prescribed to help improve the person's overall health. Medication is not the solution and must not be treated as such. There is no miracle pill that can make a person immediately better. The problem began in their mental faculties and it is there that most of the treatment must take place.

Is it ever curable?

There is no definitive cure. It is akin to alcoholism and drug addiction. The person has to live with the disorder and continue to function. It is a long and difficult road but with the proper help a person can overcome and become healthy. It is a must to have a good support network to help in case there are relapses and the person should always keep help line numbers handy in case of an emergency.

There are many great websites available to help learn more about eating disorders. One is the National Eating Disorders website at www.nationaleatingdisorders.com. They have compiled a list of information regarding each type of eating disorder as well as information for family and friends.

Are there groups that can help?

Yes, there are groups that can help. They are formed to help either the person afflicted and family or friends of the person struggling with an eating disorder. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders have a listing of support groups that meet regularly with both patients and the patient's support network.

Attendance is not mandatory but it is suggested as continuing therapy has been proven to help improve the chances of becoming healthier.