Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Developing an ED?

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/15/2010


Question
Hi, I am 17, female, and I began to take a serious interest in anorexia in June this year. I browsed a lot of pro-ana forums and viewed a great deal of "thinspiration." It started with just skipping meals and snacks then I started aiming to eat at 800 calories a day. Since then I feel as if it has become easier and easier for me to restrict and more difficult to break out of. I realize that this is unhealthy and I've tried to stop, but when I see my weight going up, I flip out and start restricting again. I was 92 lbs before- I now weigh 78-79 lbs with a BMI of around 14.7. However, I have never lost my period. Am I developing an eating disorder or is this just another phase?

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Anna,

With your BMi where it is, you definitely are anorexic -- and this is extremely unhealthy.  

When a person has all of the symptoms except one or two for anorexia, the diagnosis is Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified or EDNOS.  EDNOS is still extremely dangerous.

20% of all people who are anorexic die -- it has the highest death rate of any diagnosis.  

It would be wonderful if you could see a good nutritionist and a therapist that specializes in eating disorders to help you get well -- notice I did not say fat!  I said well!

Please let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

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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