Anorexia/Eating Disorders/disordered eating

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Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 4/29/2008


Question
I have had "eating issues" since about 7th grade, I'm now 20. I've gone through cycles of eating 500 cals a day, to binging and purging excessively, to just eating normal... I've never been diagnosed with an eating disorder, mainly because I was a model and it was normal/encouraged to be so skinny (I'm 5'9.5 and have weighed between 110-140)Now that I'm out of modeling my eating has become much more regular, but i still go through phases of not eating, or binging/ considering purging, and worry about what I eat constantly throughout the day. There hasn't really been a day where I've been completely "okay" with my body in a long, long time. My question is, do I have an eating disorder, or just disordered eating? And is this something that will gradually go away (as it has calmed down in recent years) or should i seek help for this?

Answer
Hi Emily-
It sounds like you have suffered for quite some time.  I am sorry to hear it. That being said it also seems like you have been quite courageous through it all.  With regard to your question, I would say without hesitation that you have an eating disorder and you need professional help.  I say this not because of your symptoms, of which you have several, but more because of your struggle with being "okay" with your body.  Not only do you have the right to feel "okay" but there may be a time where you can feel "good" about your body.  I think that this time will only come with professional help.  You clearly are a strong person, I hope you can allow yourself to direct your strength to feeling good about yourself.  If you need help finding a specialist, let me know.  Best of luck.
Dr. Lhulier

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D.

Expertise

I can answer several different types of questions about eating disorders, and how to deal with them. I can help figure out how to determine whether an individual needs professional help; how to choose what type of treatment may be most effective (i.e. therapist, nutritionist, psychiatrist or combination). I can give information about what a person can do to avoid relapse which would include an explanation regarding how to identify and avoid triggers and give ideas about where to get help in person and online. I can also give advice to concerned family members or friends. Perhaps most importantly, I can help increase self-understanding and acceptance.

Experience

I have been in private practice for seven years. My specialty is working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and/or body image issues. I work with individuals, couples, and families.

Organizations
The American Psychological Association Eating Disorders Hope Division 39 of APA (Psychoanalytic Psychology)

Publications
I have published a paper about training in the Psychoanalytic Psychology journal which is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. My writing and presentation interests include exploring topics such as loneliness, the learning process, and the benefits of mindfulness meditation.

Education/Credentials
I have earned a doctorate in Professional Psychology from the George Washington University (2001). I obtained my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (1997).

Awards and Honors
I serve as a member of the Clinical Supervisory Faculty for The George Washington University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program. I am also an adjunct professor in Argosy University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program.

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