Expert: Ryan Hale - 5/20/2010

Question
I have suffered from an eating disorder over 12 years.  I am a diagnosed anorexic, orthorexic, with purging tendencies.  Recently a new behavior has arisen in which I continually drink water and purge, nothing but water (and the stomach fluids and acids that are there) for hours at a time.  I don't understand this behavior but find it becoming more prevalent.  It's like I can never be empty enough and it often takes a huge physical toll on my body.  Do you know anything about this behavior and what I should be concerned about?

Answer
K-  it sounds to me like the relief or feeling you are chasing is the feelings you get with the action of purging.  For some, the act of purging feels good because they are ridding their bodies of the food they ate, for others (and you) it is the "feelings" associated with the purge that you are after... to the extent that you will even consume water to do it rather than food.  It also is not suprising, since you are most likely avoiding food (even when it will be purged) because of your anorexic condition because I suspect that you've given yourself permission to consume as much water as you want.  What you said about the need to feel empty but never feeling empty enough makes total sense to me.  It is part of your condition like your other behaviors and the health related problems associated with your condition are cause for concern.  Hopefully, you have been getting some help?