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The Big Eating Disorder Thread
Seeing as there are so many threads about eating disorders, I thought we may as well just pile them into one.
I think the most important thing that should be said is:
It completely astounds me how many people base their actions on the advice given to them on internet forums. With something like eating disorders, you seriously need to see a specialist who is qualified in dealing with such things. Having said that, we may as well clear up a few myths and confusions about eating disorders.
----------------------------------------------------
Anorexia
The essential features of Anorexia Nervosa are that the individual refuses to maintain a minimally normal body weight, is intensely afraid of gaining weight, and exhibits a significant disturbance in the perception of the shape or size of his or her body. In addition, postmenarcheal females with this disorder are amenorrheic. (The term anorexia is a misnomer because loss of appetite is rare.)
The individual maintains a body weight that is below a minimally normal level forage and height (Criterion A). When Anorexia Nervosa develops in an individual during childhood or early adolescence, there may be failure to make expected weight gains (i.e., while growing in height) instead of weight loss.
Criterion A provides a guideline for determining when the individual meets the threshold for being underweight. It suggests that the individual weigh less than 85% of that weight that is considered normal for that person's age and height. Usually weight loss is accomplished primarily through reduction in total food intake. Although individuals may begin by excluding from their diet what they perceive to be highly caloric foods, most eventually end up with a very restricted diet that is sometimes limited to only a few foods.
Individuals with this disorder intensely fear gaining weight or becoming fat (Criterion B). This intense fear of becoming fat is usually not alleviated by the weight loss. In fact, concern about weight gain often increases even as actual weight continues to decrease
The experience and significance of body weight and shape are distorted in these individuals (Criterion C). Some individuals feel globally overweight. Others realize that they are thin, but are still concerned that certain parts of their bodies, particularly the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, are "too fat." They may employ a wide variety of techniques to estimate their body size or weight, including excessive weighing.
There are also many subtypes of Anorexia, i.e. Restricting and Purging subtypes.
Bulimia
The essential features of Bulimia Nervosa are binge eating and inappropriate compensatory methods to prevent weight gain. In addition, the self-evaluation of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa is excessively influenced by body shape and weight. To qualify for the diagnosis, the binge eating and the inappropriate compensatory behaviors must occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months (Criterion C).
A binge is defined as eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is definitely larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances (Criterion A1). A "discrete period of time" refers to a limited period, usually less than 2 hours. A single episode of binge eating need not be restricted to one setting. For example, an individual may begin a binge in a restaurant and then continue it on returning home. Continual snacking on small amounts of food throughout the day would not be considered a binge.
An episode of binge eating is also accompanied by a sense of lack of control (Criterion A2). An individual may be in a frenzied state while binge eating, especially early in the course of the disorder. Some individuals describe a dissociative quality during, or following, the binge episodes.
Another essential feature of Bulimia Nervosa is the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (Criterion B). Many individuals with Bulimia Nervosa employ several methods in their attempt to compensate for binge eating. The most common compensatory technique is the induction of vomiting after an episode of binge eating. This method of purging is employed by 80%-90% of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa who present for treatment at eating disorders clinics.
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa place an excessive emphasis on body shape and weight in their self-evaluation, and these factors are typically the most important ones in determining self-esteem (Criterion D).
Again there are also subtypes of Bulimia, including the purging type and the non-purging type (i.e. excessive exercise).
(Source: Selected portions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR)
----------------------------------------------------
Theres quite a detailed description of both of the eating disorders from the DSM, but obviously isn't limited to such. Those who think they relate to any of the above should really seek professional advice. Obviously, I, like the majority of this board, am just a student and cannot offer professional help, and issues such as EDs should definetly be taken to qualified specialists. I cannot stress how important that is.
I hope that people will find this thread of use and will help to alleviate some of the confusion around eating disorders.
I think the most important thing that should be said is:
Seek the advice of a specialist, not an internet forum!
It completely astounds me how many people base their actions on the advice given to them on internet forums. With something like eating disorders, you seriously need to see a specialist who is qualified in dealing with such things. Having said that, we may as well clear up a few myths and confusions about eating disorders.
----------------------------------------------------
Anorexia
The essential features of Anorexia Nervosa are that the individual refuses to maintain a minimally normal body weight, is intensely afraid of gaining weight, and exhibits a significant disturbance in the perception of the shape or size of his or her body. In addition, postmenarcheal females with this disorder are amenorrheic. (The term anorexia is a misnomer because loss of appetite is rare.)
The individual maintains a body weight that is below a minimally normal level forage and height (Criterion A). When Anorexia Nervosa develops in an individual during childhood or early adolescence, there may be failure to make expected weight gains (i.e., while growing in height) instead of weight loss.
Criterion A provides a guideline for determining when the individual meets the threshold for being underweight. It suggests that the individual weigh less than 85% of that weight that is considered normal for that person's age and height. Usually weight loss is accomplished primarily through reduction in total food intake. Although individuals may begin by excluding from their diet what they perceive to be highly caloric foods, most eventually end up with a very restricted diet that is sometimes limited to only a few foods.
Individuals with this disorder intensely fear gaining weight or becoming fat (Criterion B). This intense fear of becoming fat is usually not alleviated by the weight loss. In fact, concern about weight gain often increases even as actual weight continues to decrease
The experience and significance of body weight and shape are distorted in these individuals (Criterion C). Some individuals feel globally overweight. Others realize that they are thin, but are still concerned that certain parts of their bodies, particularly the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, are "too fat." They may employ a wide variety of techniques to estimate their body size or weight, including excessive weighing.
There are also many subtypes of Anorexia, i.e. Restricting and Purging subtypes.
Bulimia
The essential features of Bulimia Nervosa are binge eating and inappropriate compensatory methods to prevent weight gain. In addition, the self-evaluation of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa is excessively influenced by body shape and weight. To qualify for the diagnosis, the binge eating and the inappropriate compensatory behaviors must occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months (Criterion C).
A binge is defined as eating in a discrete period of time an amount of food that is definitely larger than most individuals would eat under similar circumstances (Criterion A1). A "discrete period of time" refers to a limited period, usually less than 2 hours. A single episode of binge eating need not be restricted to one setting. For example, an individual may begin a binge in a restaurant and then continue it on returning home. Continual snacking on small amounts of food throughout the day would not be considered a binge.
An episode of binge eating is also accompanied by a sense of lack of control (Criterion A2). An individual may be in a frenzied state while binge eating, especially early in the course of the disorder. Some individuals describe a dissociative quality during, or following, the binge episodes.
Another essential feature of Bulimia Nervosa is the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (Criterion B). Many individuals with Bulimia Nervosa employ several methods in their attempt to compensate for binge eating. The most common compensatory technique is the induction of vomiting after an episode of binge eating. This method of purging is employed by 80%-90% of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa who present for treatment at eating disorders clinics.
Individuals with Bulimia Nervosa place an excessive emphasis on body shape and weight in their self-evaluation, and these factors are typically the most important ones in determining self-esteem (Criterion D).
Again there are also subtypes of Bulimia, including the purging type and the non-purging type (i.e. excessive exercise).
(Source: Selected portions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV-TR)
----------------------------------------------------
Theres quite a detailed description of both of the eating disorders from the DSM, but obviously isn't limited to such. Those who think they relate to any of the above should really seek professional advice. Obviously, I, like the majority of this board, am just a student and cannot offer professional help, and issues such as EDs should definetly be taken to qualified specialists. I cannot stress how important that is.
I hope that people will find this thread of use and will help to alleviate some of the confusion around eating disorders.
I'm NOT saying don't go to a specialist... But would just like to add that sometimes, the support and understandin of other - unqualified - people is far more helpful than say talking therapy or a meal plan being given to you... I was anorexic - pretty severely so about a year ago - for three years and despite having therapy from the very beginning of my problems, the thing that helped me the most was talking to people who were in the same position and who also wanted t get better. We motivate and encourage each other and because we're going through the same things its easier to give people advice and relate to what they are saying. And this was on an internet forum. Its of course also important to have a lot of real, supportive and caring friends around you in real life, it was certainly the key to my recovery. An ED is a horrible thing and they don't develop overnight so nor do they vanish overnight. You've just gotta keep working at it, even on the days when you can almost not bring yourself to get out of bed and face the world: DO IT. Even when your brain is screaming at you that you are fat and don't deserve food/should throw up then ignore it and EAT because the moment that you start to give in to the disorder is the moment when you begin to slide downhill again.. I've been there so many times
Boo_2
I'm NOT saying don't go to a specialist... But would just like to add that sometimes, the support and understandin of other - unqualified - people is far more helpful than say talking therapy or a meal plan being given to you
Sorry, I meant to mention the importance of that also, but then I realised the time and realised im gunna be late to turn in this coursework. I should really be going right now..
Rosiepop
Could some kind of warning be put on this thread please?
Need a mod to do that I think
Another thing to be clear about is that sometimes eating disorders aren't as black and white as stated above; there can be subtleties and shades of grey in which characteristics of both may be apparent or more frighteningly not obvious at all.
I keep binging.
nagdammit.
i used to be so pretty.
nagdammit.
i used to be so pretty.
I think it should be stated that when seeking the help of specialists it's often best to seek the help of more than one specialist. I tried to get help for my condition 5 years ago and approached my GP who effectively wrote me off as just another dysfunctional teenager and told me to just grow out of it, 5 years later I'm still anorexic and it's more difficult than ever to recover. Luckily I've approached another GP now who is referring me to specialist counselling and diet monitoring. If you need help and want to recover seek help in more than one place, misdiagnosis can be a dangerous thing if left for a long time.
The people at the charity bEAT are pretty good for advice, they've kept my head above the water on more than one occasion I'm forever grateful to them
The people at the charity bEAT are pretty good for advice, they've kept my head above the water on more than one occasion I'm forever grateful to them
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