Knowing whether you or a loved one has an eating disorder is key to beginning to move into healthier ways of living. But how do you find out whether an eating disorder 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, 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.
Criteria for 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 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.
Criteria for 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.
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
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.
A Self-Test to Evaluate Disordered Eating
The Eating Attitudes Test, or EAT-26, is a brief questionnaire that can give you a first look at whether your thoughts and behaviors around eating may be unhealthy.
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.
