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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Confused - is this a problem?

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 9/15/2009


Question
Hello,

I am doing very well at the moment, but over the last few years have tended to slip into obsessions about eating when I'm overstressed or upset. I'd become intensely afraid of gaining or failing to lose weight, lose 10-20 pounds over 1-3 weeks, hear negative voices in my head, and obsessively weigh myself and count calories (usually limiting to 400-900). Sometimes I purged (but only if I couldn't seem to avoid eating because family and friends were around), and I just generally felt afraid and worthless. Then I'd manage to "snap out of it", I suppose, with difficulty and often with help from a friend, but still successfully, and be fine for a while until I was stressed or came across something triggering. Does what I'm describing sound like a problem to you, or just a less-than-ideal coping mechanism? Given that it never persisted for very long (though there have been quite a few cycles in and out of it), my weight hasn't been drastically low - definitely not below a BMI of 17. I scored fairly high on an online EAT-26 test that I took - about 35 or 40, but I don't think I would meet the criteria for an eating disorder. I would love to know your thoughts, as I'm not sure what to think! :)

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Natalie,

Thanks so much for writing!  I believe that you have something called EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified).  This is where you're exhibiting eating disorder behaviors but you don't meet all of the criteria for either anorexia or bulimia clinically --  The behaviors are serious enough as to where it would be a good idea for you to have some therapy with a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders.

I have always claimed that eating disorders are chronic stress related conditions and you're certainly a perfect example of it.  You're quite aware.  You can begin thinking about what other coping mechanisms might work for you -- yoga or Tai-Chi, meditation, breath work??  Pick what appeals to you the most and then see what works.

Also think about what your passion is in life?  Is there something, art or music, sewing, tennis, reading?, that excites you?  If there is, do that instead of using the eating disorder.  See what happens!

Please let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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