How do I know if I have a problem with Eating Disorders?

An eating disorder is more likely to be found in girls and young women although men and women of any age can develop the problem. An eating disorder is especially dangerous to children and young adults as it impacts normal growth. Bulimia nervosa is a condition whereby the sufferer will repeat cycles of eating a large quantity of food (binging) followed by self induced vomiting (purging). This condition can develop when a person attempts a diet regime and fails, responding to the failure by binging. The binge will typically make the person feel ashamed and guilty and so they ‘purge’ to make themselves feel better. It is this destructive cycle of compulsive behaviour around food that characterises an eating disorder. The sufferer can feel shame, guilt, low self worth and a loss of control. People suffering from Bulimia nervosa can go on to develop Anorexia although a person can become Anorexic without being Bulimic first. Anorexia is not classed as an addiction and the treatment of Anorexia differs from that of Bulimia as the associated thought processes attached to both are very different.Questionnaire

The questions below will help you to decide if it would be advisable to seek further advice; if you answer the questions honestly and you answer yes to three or more then you may have a problem.

  Yes No
1.    Have you starved, comfort eaten or purged in order to remove yourself from your feelings?
     
  Yes No
2.    Have you starved, comfort eaten or purged to help you cope with everyday life?
     
  Yes No
3.    Have you starved, comfort eaten or purged on feelings of low self worth?
     
  Yes No
4.    Do you spend a lot of time organising meals and food supplies?
     
  Yes No
5.    Do you eat the same foods all the time?
     
  Yes No
6.    Do you starve and then binge?
     
  Yes No
7.    Do you prefer to eat alone?
     
  Yes No
8.    When you eat with others do you ever feel watched?
     
  Yes No
9.    Do you eat in secret, or hide food?
     
  Yes No
10.    Do you start to panic, or feel anxious around meal times?
     
  Yes No
11.    Do you snack rather than take regular meals?
     
  Yes No
12.    Do you weigh yourself more than twice a week, or will not weigh yourself?

 

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