Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 2/20/2011

Question
Hi, I don't really know what to think- if I have an eating disorder or not. I am 22 yrs old, 5 foot 5 inches, and weigh about 107 lbs. I used to weigh about 125 before a 2008 when I got sick with flu one month and lost 23 lbs. Now I like being thinner. Sometimes I think I might have an eating disorder because I restrict calories and keep careful tabs on everything I eat- usually about 1000 calories. I don't really restrict the types of foods I eat though. If I want to eat cake then I do but that is just all I eat for that day. I have low blood pressure and sometimes when I stand up I just blank out for a bit. I also work out. Not so much at college, but when I go visit my parents I run about 4 miles every day. I don't like it when people watch me eat and I have a hectic collage schedule so it is easy for me to avoid people. My brother and his fiancée tease me about my weight: sometimes that I am too fat and sometimes that I am too skinny. I hate how I look and weigh myself about twice a day if I can get away with it.I am losing now and it seems like I am catching every cold that comes by. I'm having a hard time focusing on studies and just can't seem to get myself out to socialize. Used to I wanted to be at 98 lbs. Then I met my boyfriend and I like him a lot. His mom says that I am too thin and I am beginning to think that she might be right. I never thought it might be a disorder before. I just thought about wanting to be perfect. Now I am thinking about the future with my boyfriend: how could I be a good wife to him? What kind of a mom would an anorexic make? could I even have children? those types of questions. I want to be the best for him. The thing is I can't stand to gain weight. (Do I need to gain weight?) Once I get past 112 I feel flabby and ugly. Not only that but my boyfriend is shorter than me and I really like that I weigh less than he does.

Do you think this is a disorder?
If it is, do you have any suggestions on how i could work through it alone?

Thanks
Missy

Answer
Dear Dear Missy,

Yes, you do have an eating disorder -- most of the criteria for anorexcia -- the perfectionism, fear of gaining weight, blacking out (dangerous), having people remark consistently about the fact that you're too thin.

You can't be the best for anyone with being too thin -- your cognitive abilities are starting to be affected -- I can tell by your note!

Ideally you could see a therapist at your college.  Give this a shot -- and let me know how it goes.  I wouldn't wait.  You have too much to lose, if you'll pardon the pun.

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
1-888-520-1700