Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricted eating and refusal to maintain normal body weight, persistent fear of being fat, feeling fat when one is not; absent or erratic menstrual cycles in females.
Bulimia nervosa occurs when there are recurrent episodes of binge eating and a feeling of lack of control over eating; regular use of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, or exercise to prevent weight gain; persistent over-concern with weight. A combination of anorexic and bulimic symptoms can occur.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by three or more of the following:
- eating more rapidly than normally
- eating until feeling uncomfortably full
- eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
- eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is consuming
- feeling disgusted, depressed, or very guilty after overeating
- having feelings of distress because of the binge eating
There are no episodic purging behaviors, such as vomiting, laxative, diuretic, or enema use, fasting or excessive exercise.
How to help a friend or roommate:
- Make a plan to approach the person in a private place when there is time to talk and no immediate stress.
- Present in a caring but straightforward way what you have observed and what your concerns are.
- Give the person time to talk and encourage her/him to verbalize feelings.
- Listen carefully: accept what is said in a non-judgmental manner.
- Do not argue about whether there is a problem.
- Provide information about resources for treatment. Offer to go with the person and wait while he/she has a first appointment with a counselor, physician, or nutritionist.
- Do not try to be a hero or a rescuer. You will probably be resented.
- Eating disorders are usually not emergency situations. But if the person is suicidal or otherwise in serious danger, get professional help immediately. For an emergency, call 911.
