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How do I know if I have an Eating Disorder?

Reprinted from Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery
By Lindsey Hall & Monika Ostroff
To find out more about this helpful book click here.

This is a difficult question to answer because only you know the degree to which your preoccupation is interfering with your life. However, if you answer "yes" to any of the questions below, whether you fit the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or another clinically diagnosed disorder, food and weight may be a problem for you that needs to be seriously addressed. Respond honestly:

	Does the description in the section "What is Anorexia Nervosa?" or "What is Bulimia" describe you?
	Are you constantly thinking about food, weight, or body image?
	Is it difficult to concentrate on the daily tasks of studying or work because of food and weight thoughts?
	Do you worry about what your last meal is doing to your body?
	Do you experience guilt or shame around eating?
	Is it difficult for you to eat in public?
	Do you count calories every time you eat or drink?
	Do you chronically diet only to regain the weight after going "off" the diet?
	Do you feel "out of control" when it comes to food?
	When others tell you that you are too thin, do you still feel fat?
	If you see yourself as thin, do you still obsess about your stomach, hips, thighs, or buttocks being too big?
	Do you weigh yourself several times daily?
	Does the number on your scale determine your mood and outlook for the day?
	When you are momentarily satisfied with your weight, do you resolve to be even more vigilant?
	Do you punish yourself with more exercise or restrictions if you don't like the number on the scale?
	Do you exercise more than forty-five minutes, five times each week with the goal of burning calories?
	Will you exercise to lose weight even if you are ill or injured?
	Do you label foods as "good" and "bad?"
	If you eat a "bad" or forbidden food do you berate yourself and compensate by skipping your next meal, purging, or adding extra exercise?
	Do you vomit after eating and/or use laxatives or diuretics to keep your weight down?
	Do you severely limit your food intake?

A professional familiar with the treatment of eating disorders can give you honest feedback about the seriousness of your situation as well as advice about what you may want to do next. Certainly, sharing your thoughts, concerns, and feelings with someone who can listen compassionately while suspending judgment can be helpful and comforting, even motivating. But if you are not ready to change your behaviors, you at least deserve help maintaining your physical and medical safety, something a professional with experience treating eating disorders can do for you.

Reprinted from Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery By Lindsey Hall & Monika Ostroff To find out more about this helpful book click here. Click here for more articles on Eating Disorders

Additional Resources:

Advice for Loved Ones with Eating Disorders
American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines
Anatomy of a Food Addiction
Anorexia Nation
Anorexia Nervosa: 11 Areas of Advancement