Expert: Melissa - 2/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: I guess I'm just really confused about whether or not I have an eating disorder or just a "bad habit".  You see, when I know I will be drinking alcohol I won't eat in order to get drunk faster, and sometimes after eating a lot I vomit (1-3 times a week).  Then yesterday I ate little food and made myself vomit 3 times in a day.  I know that what I'm doing is wrong and should stop but at the same time I don't know if I want to.  What advice can you offer me?

ANSWER: RUN FROM THESE HABITS!!
The sooner you stop these behaviors the easier it will be. It sounds like you are still in the early stages of an eating disorder and NOW is the time to get help and stop before it gets completely out of control and runs your life.
PLEASE get a therapist and see your doctor.
Melissa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm really afraid to see a doctor about this.  I have been talking to a friend about it.  Do you think I could get over this without professional help?

ANSWER: Possibly...but unlikely. What about seeing a doctor scares you? You won't have to go into a residential program or commit to anything if that's what you're worried about. Seeing a therapist, talking to a school counselor, or even just telling your medical doctor about your symptoms would be a great start. They are there to help and have experience dealing in this area. They will not judge you or force you to do anything.
You have to take care of yourself and consider what's best for you in the long run. You don't want to look back at this moment in 10 years and realize: "Gee, if I just saw a doctor back then and nipped this in the butt when it was easiest to do so, maybe I wouldn't be struggling with this for 10 years, hospitalized, and missing out on my life."
As my favorite singer says: "But life is a slippery slope. Regret the steepest hill."

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I just want to say thank-you for your time.  You've helped me more than you could ever possible know.  Just having someone to talk to is a lot!  I'm afraid to tell my doctor because of what happens next.  I have a blood test in a short while and once I get the results I will see about telling my doctor what I've been doing.  Could the doctor tell from my blood test results?

Answer
You said "i'm afraid to tell my doctor because of what happens next". What exactly is it that you think will happen next?
Doctors have a confidentially obligation so they can't force you to do anything, tell anyone anything, or anything like that if that's what you're worried about. She or he probably will talk to you about their concerns but typically doctors are very professional and focus on the medical side of things so unless there is a grave medical condition related to the eating disorder behaviors, i can't them giving you the third degree about it or pushing it much on you.
A good doctor may give you a referall to a psychiatrist, though. I encourage you to bring it up to he or she and let them help you. Make sure it's clear they know that no one else knows about it and you are concerned. You can even say someone(me) you came to concerned about this thinks its very important you talk to them about it and was concerned for your safety.
But in regards to your blood test, I don't think they would be able to tell from your blood results whats going on. Even if your iron was low, potassium, or anything else that could be effected by an eating disorder, they don't always connect the two because there are many other factors that could contribute or be responsible for those kind of blood results.
I hope this helps.