Does Your Friend Have An Eating Disorder? How Do You Know And What Should You Do

By Author: McCormick Rudolph A.
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Generally, eating disorders develop as a way of "coping.” due to a physiological pre-disposition toward an eating disorder, a lot of people mention the word “control” in one factor which they believe contributes to their eating disorder.

Are you are concerned that a friend, family member or even yourself may have an eating disorder?

Generally, eating disorders develop as a way of "coping.” due to a physiological pre-disposition toward an eating disorder, a lot of people mention the word “control” in one factor which they believe contributes to their eating disorder. In other words emotional distress and trauma and feelings of little or no control of life are factors in how an eating disorder may get started.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with an eating disorder, you are going to experience a range of emotions, frustration, and despair. It’s pretty easy to really take a long look at your own eating activity because of an eating disorder in someone you care about. It is very important to get proper support not only for yourself but for your loved one as well.

How ...
... do you know if someone has an eating disorder?

Bulimia Nervosa May Include:

Binge eating:You may notice the disappearance of larger than normal quantities of food, finding wrappers or containers indicating that large amounts of food have been consumed.

Purging behavior:You may notice the person making frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, accompanied by signs/smells of vomiting, finding laxative packages/ diuretic packages.

Excessive exercise: Exercise is used as a means of burning off all calories consumed, most notably during bad weather, injury, and/or illness.

Dental Issues: Primarily discoloration or staining of the teeth.

Withdrawal from Usual Activities and Friends: Specifically to make space for rituals of binge and purge sessions.

In general, behavior and attitude which indicates that weight loss, dieting and control of food are becoming primary concerns over and above other concerns.

Anorexia Involves:

Dramatic weight loss

Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting

Extraordinaryrefusal to eat certain foods

Frequent comments about feeling “FAT” even after significant weight reduction

Anxiety about food, gaining weight, or looking “FAT”

Denial of hunger

Development of food rituals which show signs of food controlling behavior

Avoiding mealtimes and using excuses to avoid situations involving food

Excessive exercise despite weather, illness, fatigue or injuries

Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS):

As a friend or family member there are things you can do:

You can encourage, support and provide your friend or family member with your unconditional love.. But remember, it is not up to you to save them, they need to save themselves.Getting into a treatment program will help, provided the program uses a proven method of treatment and has proven successful in various outcome studies.

There are various resources out there via theinternet, books and treatment providers that will help you understand what is happening and how the cyclic behavior can be modified. Just like breaking an arm or a leg, eating disorders need to be treated by a medical professional who specializes in treatment of eating disorders.

What does treatment look like?

Initially werecommend that an individual visit their primary care physician.Your doctor knows you and thus has a historical perspective to draw from.They can assess your physical condition and refer you to a program they know works.

People tend to have inner struggles, preventing them from wanting to seek recovery. This is part of the challenge treatment providers face, convincing their patient to get help and understand the nature of the illness. Research shows that the earlier treatment is provided, the better the results. Successfully facing and dealing with a severe eating disorder is one of the most difficult and challenging things that a person may face in their life.
Resource: http://rogershospital.org/treatment-service/child-and-adolescent-inpatient-hospitalization-eating-disorders