Eating Concerns

Symptoms of common eating disorders
Official diagnostic criteria for eating disorders
Effects of common eating disorders
Some ideas for helping people with eating disorders

The term "eating disorder" is very vague, suggesting simply a problem with food and with the act of eating. It suggests that there is only one "disorder," and by doing so, that there is only one cause.

One of the most valuable lessons that can be learned about eating disorders is that there are no perfect definitions, no definite causes, and no absolute cures.

Some of the common descriptions of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, compulsive eating and compulsive exercising can be found below, as well as possible effects of these disorders, and ways to help people who suffer from them.

In presenting these descriptions, it must be emphasized that they are only lists of some possible characteristics of the problems. These lists are far from complete, and a person does not need to show all of the signs listed to have a problem. Any group of symptoms that disrupts an individual's lifestyle constitutes a problem.

Symptoms of Common Eating Disorders

The symptoms on this list can all indicate anorexia, bulimia, or a compulsive disorder.

• Feelings of shame, isolation, and/or loneliness
• A belief that the problem is something unique and therefore must be hidden
• Drive for perfection
• Depression
• Placing the needs of others first
• Lack of emotional reaction
• Hesitance to talk about emotional problems (but an ability to listen sympathetically to other people's problems)
• Fear of growing up
• Apparent maturity and sense of responsibility
• Need for control
• Trouble relaxing and playing
• Existential questioning
• Suicide attempts
• Past sexual abuse
• Preoccupation with weight and/or appearance
• Avoidance of having picture taken or looking in mirrors
• A need to exercise and a feeling of failure if it's not done to satisfaction
• Ritualized behaviors when dealing with food (e.g. cutting food into tiny pieces, hiding food under other food)
• Other addictive behaviors (e.g. alcoholism, workaholic, neatness)
• Thoughts of food, weight, or body image disrupts daily activities
• Secretive about weight, food, or exercise
• Use of food to gain emotional comfort
• Avoidance of eating in front of other people and stress when it cannot be avoided
• Denial of hunger
• Inability to recognize hunger or confusion of hunger with nausea

While many of these symptoms may be more characteristic of one type of eating disorder than of others, they have been presented in one list to emphasize the degree to which any one person may manifest a variety of symptoms. Every person will have her or his own way of expressing her or his own emotional conflicts. When trying to help someone who has an eating disorder it is important to know the characteristics of her or his disorder, but it is more important to react to the individual and her or his specific variety of conflicts and needs.

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Official Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorders

Bulimia Recurrent binge eating (rapid consumption of a large amount of food in a short period of time, usually less than two hours) Feeling of lack of control during binges Regular episodes of self-induced vomiting, use of diuretics or laxatives, strict dieting or fasting, or vigorous exercise Minimum of two binges per week for at least three months Persistent over-concern with weight

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Effects of Common Eating Disorders

While some of these problems may be reversible, others will cause permanent damage and may lead to death.

Anorexia and Bulimia

• Exhaustion
• Loss of appetite
• Growth of fine, downy hair over body
• Yellowing, dry skin and fingernails
• Dry brittle hair
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Amenorrhea
• Shrinking of the internal organs
• Infertility
• Heart problems
• Dementia

Bulimia

• Tooth and gum damage
• Esophageal and digestive tract problems
• Distended abdomen
• Callused fingers

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Some Ideas for Helping People with Eating Disorders

For most people, one of the most helpful steps in overcoming an eating disorder involves learning to talk to people about it. By talking to a person about their problems, you give them a person they can know will be willing to listen. While you may not be listened to immediately, your attempts will show that you do care.

Avoid power struggles over eating habits. If you are constantly watching the eating and exercise patterns of a person with an eating disorder, it is very likely that rather than changing their styles, they will simply stop eating in front of you and will try to keep their problems hidden further. Know that you may be rejected as you try to confront someone about her or his problems. This is not your fault. It takes time for most people with eating disorders to learn to talk about their problems; it is possible that they simply aren't ready to talk. However, it is still important that they know you are concerned.

Additional support is available from Psychological Counseling Services.

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