Expert: Loren - 8/12/2007

Question
hello I'm Ashleigh
I would just like to know if i have an eating disorder.I cannot eat any foods without feeling like i am going to throw-up. I have made myself throw-up a couple of times. i am pritty sure i have depression. I am not happy with my weight although all my friends say i am under weight.sometimes when i look at food i feel sick. Most of the time it gets so bad i cant walk without feeling like i am going to throw-up.Most of the time i feel like i am going to collapse or passout.I am usually in alot of pain.The pain is usually located in my stomach and hips.Are these symptoms of an eating disorder? Please help.
thnx

Answer
Hello Ashleigh

Making yourself throw up is a characteristic of bulimia. As I am not a doctor I cannot diagnose you with the disorder, however I can say that from what you have described it sounds like an ED NOS (not otherwise specified). This basically means you are neither suffering from anorexia or bulimia but a combination of the two.

With anorexia after a long period of starvation it becomes difficult to eat as the body can reject the food, hence the reason why you feel sick when looking at it.
The symptoms you've mentioned (dizziness, stomach pains, nausea) are all textbook for eating problems. However, they could also be due to an underlying issue not related to an eating disorder. What I would advise you to do is to visit your doctor and tell her about the depression and the eating issues and the symptoms you're experiencing. Be absolutely honest so she can get you the appropriate treatment.

Take care,
Loren