Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Bone Scan

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 4/5/2011


Question
Hi, I'm currently recovering from Anorexia and have been told I might need a bone scan because I kept my BMI less than or equal to 15.5, for 6 years ( it's now nearly 18 hooray!),. However, through out all those years I still menstruated even at a BMI of less than 14. Is it possible that despite still menstruating I could have caused damage to my bones?

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Kate,

Yes, by all means, have the bone scan.  They are becoming quite common here in the states for women's health.  There is always the chance that osteopenia or osteoporosis has been a consequence of the eating disorder.  Your eating disorder was quite severe even though you were menstruating.

Please let me know what you find out!  Good for you in being willing to do this...


Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
888-520-1700
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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