Knowing whether you or a loved one has an eating disorder diagnosis is key to beginning to move into healthier ways of living. But how do you find out whether a formal diagnosis is appropriate in your situation? Many people have eating problems of various kinds. When should you decide to get help?
There is no substitute for talking with a qualified counselor, doctor, psychiatrist, or dietitian. An eating disorder diagnosis can be firmly established only in this setting. Without face-to-face contact and a comprehensive interview process, it is very difficult to make good judgments about the scope or severity of an eating problem.
With this in mind, it can be helpful to know what goes into making a diagnosis for each of the major eating disorders.
Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by substantial weight loss or avoidance of weight gain. But were you aware that some persons who purge their food qualify for a diagnosis of anorexia?
- Criteria for diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
- Symptoms of anorexia
- The battle between shame and pride in anorexia
Diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is harder to spot than anorexia because many with bulimia have a relatively normal appearance. Those with bulimia always purge, but they don't always do it by vomiting.
Diagnosis of Binge-Eating Disorder
Technically, binge-eating disorder is not yet an official diagnosis according to the American Psychiatric Association. However, the experimental criteria for binge-eating disorder are already widely recognized.
- Experimental criteria for diagnosis of binge-eating disorder
- Should binge-eating disorder have its own official diagnosis?
- Symptoms of binge-eating disorder
Diagnosis of Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
Binge-eating disorder currently falls under this broad heading, which includes disordered eating that does not meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Take A Self-Test to Evaluate Disordered Eating[/link]
Questionnaires don't provide professional diagnosis, but they can give you an idea about whether you should see a clinician
The Eating Attitudes Test, or EAT-26, is a questionnaire that can give you a first look at whether your thoughts and behaviors around eating may be unhealthy.
If you prefer a shorter test, try the SCOFF eating disorder quiz. Just 5 questions and scored for you!
Be Sure
Again, if there is any question in your mind about your eating habits or those of someone you love, call a professional for an evaluation. A good place to start is this eating disorder treatment finder, which will help you locate different clinicians in your area.
