Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa ~ Bulimia Nervosa ~ Binge Eating

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Physiological

• Weight Loss-Often in a short period of time. At least 15% of original weight

• Cessation of menstruation

• Paleness

• Complaints of feeling cold / low body temperature

• Dizziness and fainting spells / low blood pressure

• Bone mineral loss, leading to osteoporosis

• Irregular heart beat which can lead to cardiac arrest

• Loss of muscle and body fat

• Hair Loss

• Dry skin

Behavioral

• Restricted eating, sever diets, fasting, “vegetarianism”

• Odd food rituals, food combinations

• Avoidance of social situations where food may be present

• Compulsive exercise

• Dressing in layers to hide weight loss, or keep warm

• Bingeing (may be secretive or infrequent)

• Distortion of body image (seeing self as fat even when emaciated)

• Intense Fear of becoming fat, regardless of low weight

• Use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics

• Interest in cooking and feeding others

Attitude Shifts

• Mood shifts / depression / anxiety

• Perfectionistic attitude

• Insecurities about capabilities regardless of actual performance

• Self-worth is determined by food intake

• Social isolation

From Surviving an Eating Disorder. Siegel. M. et al (1988). Harper and Row and from American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Facts on Eating Disorders.

BULIMIA NERVOSA

Physiological

• Person may be under-, over-, or normal weight

• Swollen glands, puffiness in the cheeks, or broken vessels under the eyes

• Sore throat

• Fatigue and muscle ache

• Unexplained tooth decay

• Frequent weight fluctuations

• Electrolyte imbalance which can lead to irregular heartbeat, and in some cases, cardiac arrest.

Behavioral

• Secretive eating (missing food)

• Avoidance of restaurants, planned meals or social events if food is present

• Self-disgust when too much has been eaten

• Bathroom visits after meals

• The use of diet pills

• Rigid and harsh exercise regimes

• Fear of being fat, regardless of weight

• Bingeing that may alternate with fasting

• Preoccupation / constant talk about food or weight

• Vomiting and laxative use

• Shoplifting (sometimes food or laxatives)

Attitude Shifts

• Mood shifts including depression, sadness, guilt, and self-hate

• Severe self-criticism

• The need for approval

• Self-worth determined by weight

• Feeling out of control

From Surviving an Eating Disorder. Siegel. M. et al (1988). Harper and Row and from American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Facts on Eating Disorders.

BINGE EATING DISORDER

Physiological

• Weight-related hypertension or fatigue

• Weight gain

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Heart Disease

Behavioral

• Bingeing

• Restriction of activities because of embarrassment about weight

• Going from one diet to the next

• Eating small amounts in public while maintaining a high weight

Attitude Shifts

• Feeling about self based on weight and control of eating

• Fantasizing about being thin

• Depression

• Guilt / shame

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