Anorexia/Eating Disorders/rule out eating disorder

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 1/5/2010


Question
I am in drug court, and my last two creatinine levels (urine)were low....12.2 and 15 and I don't know why.  The specific gravity was normal, therefore they believe I was not intentionally diluting my urine.  I am naturally thin (5'1 100 lbs) they now have told me they beielve the low creatinine levels are due to an eating disorder which I DO NOT have. I eat normally and very very healthy, but do not gain weight easily.  I was wondering if a blood test would indicate that I do not have an eating disorder, or how I would go about proving this. I feel like I am trying to defend the color of my eyes at this point, and they have threatened to either be sent to jail if my levels do not come up, or put me inpatient in an eating disorder clinic.  I would appreciate any insight you may have on this, I am at my wits end.
Thanks

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Deborah,

I have never heard that low creatinine levels are indicative of an eating disorder.  There is a test where they can test amylase levels to find out if someone if purging -- That is the only eating disorder test I know of.

I'm not sure exactly what your situation is but it sounds pretty difficult.  If it comes to the place where they force you to get treatment, come to Mirasol.  It's such a gentle program and we'd take good care of you.  Your BMI is healthy at 18.9 -- so I wouldn't be worried that you're anorexic.

Keep in touch and let me know what happens!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
888-520-1700
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
@jeanniemirasol
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannerustmirasol

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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