MY SPECIALTIES:
EATING DISORDERS

Introduction

Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge Eating

Disordered Eating

Body Image

Obesity & Weight Management

Back to
Specialties Menu

Contact Dr. Nash

Disordered Eating

What do you mean by "disordered eating?"

Some people do not meet clinical criteria to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. However, repeated dieting, losing and then regaining weight, self-blame and guilt related to eating, excessive exercising, negative attitudes about weight or shape (that is, a poor body image), fear of getting fat or excessive distress about weight or shape, or periodic binge eating point to disordered eating. When food and eating create psychological pain and suffering, even though a full-blown eating disorder is not present, the problem is disordered eating.

How is disordered eating treated?

Often, disordered eating is the precursor to a full-fledged eating disorder. The first step in treating disordered eating is to identify the eating pattern and to understand what function it is serving in your life at this time. What got disordered eating started is often not what is keeping it going today. In some cases, disordered eating involves perfectionistic thinking and rigid rules. Sometimes disordered eating is a solution to another problem. Once we understand what is maintaining the disordered eating and the role it plays in coping, we can work toward a solution. Usually the treatments used for other eating disorders are appropriate for disordered eating.

What can I do to help someone with an eating or exercise disorder?

This depends on how old the person is and whether he or she is in treatment. If the person is a minor-under the age of 18-and is not getting help, it is best to speak to an adult about the situation. You might talk with a teacher, a school counselor, a minister or priest, the person's parents, or your own parents (if you are also a minor). They will be able to take steps necessary to get your friend help, or they can find out what should be done. If the person you are concerned about is an adult, what you should do depends on whether he or she is willing to get treatment or is in denial about the problem. If the person is already in treatment, there are a number of things you can do to be supportive. Click here to learn more about how to help someone with an eating or exercise disorder.

Dr. Joyce Nash, PhD    (650) 329-1000