Anorexia/Eating Disorders/eating disorders

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Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 5/19/2008


Question
Hi, I'm 44 and at at the age of 38 I wad diagnosed with anorexia. I am 5' 8" and weighed 100 lbs. I was in and out of treatment centers and hospitals for 3 years and had ECT treatments which seemed to turn me into a compulsive overeater. I have gained 88 lbs in the last 3 and 1/2 years. But for the last 7 days I have eaten only 0 to 300 calories a day. I have limited my food choices to the so called "zero calorie" foods. I've lost 10 pounds in that 7 days. I'm afraid of food again and plan to exercise everyday for about 2 to 3 hours starting with tonight. My question is do you feel I am headed back to my eating disorder? I can't seem to get this eating thing under control. I either starve myself or I binge. I used to take aprox. 50 laxatives a day and diazide but that ended in October of last year. I bought two boxes last night but did not take them, although I did take a diazide. I am embarrassed to go get help because I am so
fat. How do I develop a healthy relationship with food? any advice?

Answer
Hi Carol-
You are in what they call a "relapse" and yes I think your eating disorder has regained control.  Unfortunately, this is a very serious problem.  Please do not be embarrassed to get help.  Your health is in jeopardy you need to return to your therapist and nutritionist right away.

Developing a healthy relationship with food is a very complicated matter, especially right now.  It will take quite some time.  I cannot say how it will specifically work for you, but it will involve learning to love and accept yourself.

My advice is to return to your treatment team as soon as possible.  Tell them everything and start fighting your way back.
I wish you the best Carol.
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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