Diagnosis of an eating disorder and what this means

One common characteristic of people with eating disorders is a strong reluctance to seek help - including seeing a physician. But if you suspect that some of the descriptions or feelings might apply to you (even if you don't think you have a full-blown eating disorder), you can see that these disorders are probably too powerful to deal with yourself. People who are in the midst of an eating disorder, or simply in the midst of worrying about whether they have an eating disorder, might not be able to see the symptoms clearly.

It's best to find professional advice for a clear diagnosis. Diagnose simply means to identify a condition and differentiate it from other conditions. A diagnosis offers a shorthand way of talking about a particular kind of eating disturbance. Types of professionals who can diagnose eating disorders include physicians, psychologists, dietitians, and mental-health counselors in private practice or as part of a clinic or treatment center. Professional associations can guide you toward a professional.

Check with your doctor or another responsible adult. If you have a good relationship with your physician, that's a good place to start, but sometimes it takes a while to come clean with someone you may not have been completely honest with. And sometimes your doctor may not be enough of an expert in the specialized diagnosis you need. You can call a local hospital for a list - and doing that by phone protects your privacy. Medical practitioners usually have referral lists for those seeking counseling help, and they can point you to a source for specialized counseling in eating disorders.

You can ask a physician: "How long have you been in this specialty? Do you work with others as a team? What's your feeling about medications? How do you decide when a person is well? Can I call you any time? You can ask a counselor: What kind of license or training do you have? How long have you been in this specialty? Do you work with others as a team? Do you prefer medication or not? How long does it take to get an appointment?

A professional should be happy to answer questions like that, and it's up to you to decide if you're comfortable with the answers or the approach. If the physician or counselor doesn't seem like a good fit, keep looking. Or ask him or her for names of other doctors who would be qualified. The hardest part is taking the first step, making contact with a responsible adult, asking the first questions. Sometimes people with eating disorders are afraid that turning to a professional will make them lose control, so it's important to remember that you need help and advice about a different approach.

To make a diagnosis, a good, professional counselor will involve you in a thorough evaluation process. This is confidential. The process may include both medical evaluation and psychological evaluation. A thorough evaluation will begin with a medical exam. Even if you start with a nonmedical counselor, you should be sure to get a checkup. The physical will include the normal exam procedures, as well as a check for dehydration, and functions of the heart and other internal organs. The doctor may refer you to a dentist for possible damage to teeth, especially if your condition includes purging, since stomach acid can damage teeth.

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Diagnosis of an eating disorder and what this means

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