I have a wife with bulimia and it was getting to the point where I couldn't take it any more. She needed bulimia treatment badly, but I didn't know where to turn. Through the internet I came across your site and sent my wife for bulimia treatment at your center.
Whoever she first spoke with made her feel so comfortable, she even became excited about the possibility of not having to binge and purge any more. The change in her is amazing. I know she will always be recovering, but I am proud to say she is the most courageous person I know. Thank you for all of your help.
-- Preston V., Nashua, New Hampshire
I needed to find an eating disorder clinic so badly. I used to eat compulsively and had swung over completely to purging and laxatives. I felt so bad about myself, the shame and guilt was just killing me. I had been to an eating disorder clinic before, but they really did not address my mood swings, that I have since understood them to be a bipolar disorder.
Your staff kept telling me that my eating behavior was a symptom of other problems. Well even though I didn't believe them they turned out to be right. I don't use laxatives, I have even learned to exercise moderately. Thank you so much. By the way, it has been ten months since I last purged.
-- Bonnie S., Boston, Massachusetts
Well Shelly, I told you I would write when I had one year in recovery and here I am. Who would have guessed. I have so much gratitude for you taking your time and referring me to a great facility. I knew from the moment I walked in there that I was in the right place. The next time I come by it will be to visit, not as a patient. You are absolutely the greatest.
-- Venessa C., Raleigh, North Carolina
If you are worried about having an eating disorder, take the test below. If your score is 45 or higher we recommend you talk to a eating disorder treatment professional about your concern.
For each of the following statements score as follows:
I binge (eat large amounts of food in a short period of time.)
_____ 8.
There are days when I don't eat at all.
_____ 9.
I make myself throw up.
_____ 10.
I use laxatives or diuretics to control my weight.
_____ 11.
I avoid social events because of my weight.
_____ 12.
My weight prevents me from accomplishing other goals in life.
_____ 13.
If I cannot exercise to burn off calories, I panic.
_____ 14.
I feel depressed when I look through fashion magazines.
_____ 15.
I eat for emotional comfort or to relieve stress or depression.
_____ 16.
I eat sensibly in front of others and make up for it when I am alone.
_____ 17.
I feel self-conscious around thin people.
_____ 18.
I divide food in two categories: "good" and "bad".
_____ 19.
I feel out of control with food.
_____ 20.
I dislike my body.
_____ Total
If you score higher than 45 you may have an eating disorder.
If you require assistance in locating a safe and effective eating disorder program, please call the national eating disorder treatment helpline at 1-800-941-5313.
Anorexia Nervosa
Individuals with anorexia refuse to maintain a minimal body weight and exhibit marked body image disturbance. Symptoms of anorexia may include:
Ritualistic eating, eating the same low calorie, low fat foods day after day
Obsessive preoccupation with food yet eating very little
Social Isolation
Compulsive exercise and excessive exercise
Mood Swings
Denial that anything is wrong
Loss of menstruation
Anorexia Nervosa is a dangerous disorder. More people die each year from anorexia than any other psychiatric disorder.
If the process of locating the best eating disorder treatment program for you becomes confusing and a bit overwhelming, you can always call the national eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by reoccurring episodes of binge eating (eating large, excessive amounts of food in a relatively short period of time), followed by purging to avoid weight gain. Purging may include self-induced vomiting, compulsive and excessive exercising, fasting or dieting, the use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills.
Symptoms of Bulimia May Include:
Depression
Suicidal thoughts
Social Isolation
Secretive Behavior
Increasingly eating alone
Mood Swings
Impulsive Behavior that may include drug use
The medical complications of Bulimia are dangerous as are the emotional side effects from this eating disorder. More people suffering from bulimia die of suicide than medical complications.
Compulsive overeaters or people with a binge eating disorder feel out of control with food. Once they start eating they feel as if they cannot stop. They repeatedly diet in order to try to regain control. Many compulsive overeaters feel they overeat at each meal and depression is common as their repeated efforts to change have failed. Others eat more normally at meals but binge eat with out active purging on a regular basis. These binges feel out of their control. Many are overweight and feel extreme shame and isolate themselves which increases feelings of low self-esteem and depression.
Medical complications include diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.
If you require assistance in locating a safe and effective eating disorder program, please call our national eating disorder treatment helpline at 1-800-941-5313.
