Diagnosing Eating Disorders

Because of our companies focus on beauty, eating disorders in the United States are rising. It is estimated that nearly 10 million women may be affected by some form of eating disorder and these statistics may be increasing as well. The causes of these disorders come from a variety of issues, including affective disorders, depression, and often lack self-esteem. These problems can be exacerbated by the media focused on thinness as a sign of beauty and this statement is easily reinforced when you look at actresses and models who often gain fame for their beauty called.

Whatever the cause, diagnosis of these conditions and treat them as soon as possible is what is really important. Because these disorders are often hidden by those who suffer, it can be incredibly difficult to find especially in previous phases. Here, we provide a list of top five signs you can look for when trying to diagnose whether you or someone you know may suffer from eating disorders.

1. Be vocal on issues of the body - if you hear someone start talking about how they are dissatisfied with their bodies and appearance, including using words such as "I'm too fat" or "God, I wish I was skinny "when before these issues were never a problem for this person, this may be something to keep an eye on. Although some people keep these thoughts to themselves, to others start with the vocals to see if others around them feel the same way.

2. Drastic changes in eating habits - someone who suddenly change their eating habits drastically, typically by severely limiting their caloric intake, may be heading or already struggling with an eating disorder. These people can focus on weight loss anyway they can do and this can include stop eating altogether.

3. drastic weight loss - as in example 2 above, those who stopped eating often dramatic weight loss quickly. Many people around them notice, but rarely say anything. If you recognize someone you know has lost a extreme amount of weight, it is likely that they are either suffering from an illness or an eating disorder and it is up to you to try to intervene so that they seek treatment immediately.

4. Avoidance, or uncomfortable, social interaction - because eating disorders are often from disorders such as depression, people may begin to turn away others altogether or when they are in the company of others, they are shy and solitary. This, coupled with one of the above symptoms may be red flags that eating disorders exist.

5. Obsessive exercise with one of the above symptoms - those with eating disorders often start the year at a rate dangerous to help achieve their weight loss. Excessive exercise coupled with themselves are starving is a concoction incredibly dangerous and must be avoided at all costs.

Often, because of wanting to avoid uncomfortable situations, people simply ignore the above symptoms and try to pass them off as a simple situation or someone goes through a phase, but if you really feel in your heart that something can exist, it takes you try to intervene and help that person get help. Eating disorders are dangerous and can lead to ailments life and even death to their highest progressive. Do your part and look for symptoms and those you love.