A doctor's checklist for diagnosing eating disorders

Recognizing eating disorders

There are four main types of eating disorders, namely:

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by excessive fear of body weight. Patients tend to limit their food intake by following very strict extreme diets. They tend to starve themselves because they are too afraid of gaining weight after eating.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by repeated episodes of overeating followed by "self-cleansing" alias "Purging" of these foods. Purging can be done by forcibly vomiting food can also by taking laxatives or diuretics, and diet pills.
Binge eatingis a disorder of eating behavior that is not controlled, but without purging .
Other eating disorders (OSFED) namely an eating disorder that is incompatible with the other three types of eating disorders.

The exact cause of the eating disorder is unknown. However, several factors can play a role in this disorder.

Eating disorders can start in adolescence and young adulthood. At that age, many people are desperately trying to get into shape like a model (which in reality is not necessarily healthy). Some mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression can also increase the risk.

Eating disorders can become serious problems if not treated properly and diagnosed early. Some people may deny this problem exists. However, certain symptoms can indicate that a person has a problem with his diet.

Doctors use physical and psychological evaluations to diagnose eating disorders. They will also make sure you meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. These criteria are outlined in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by American Psychiatric Association (WHAT).

Diagnosis of eating disorders

1. Physical evaluation

Physical examination

During the physical exam, the doctor will check your height, weight, and vital signs. Your doctor will also check your lungs and heart, as eating disorders can cause high or low blood pressure, slow breathing, and a slow pulse.

The doctor will likely examine your stomach. They can also check your skin and hair for moisture, or look for brittle nails.

In addition, the doctor may ask about other possible problems, such as throat or intestinal problems. Because this can be a complication of bulimia.

Laboratory test

Eating disorders can damage the body and cause problems with vital organs. So, your doctor may undergo laboratory tests, including:

Routine blood check
Check liver, kidney, and thyroid function
Urine test

Your doctor may also order X-rays to look for broken bones, which can be a sign of bone loss from anorexia or bulimia. An electrocardiogram (EKG) can check for irregularities in your heart.

Your doctor may also examine your teeth for signs of decay. This is another symptom of an eating disorder.

2. Psychological evaluation

Doctors don't diagnose eating disorders based on a physical exam alone. A psychological evaluation by a mental health specialist is also required.

The psychiatric specialist will ask about your eating habits. It aims to understand the nature or pattern of your behavior towards food and the way you eat. The doctor also needs to get an idea of how you view your body shape.

When can someone be diagnosed with an eating disorder?

Before your doctor can diagnose you with an eating disorder, you must meet the criteria for a specific type of disorder. The symptoms of eating disorders also vary, depending on the type of eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa

Body thin or very thin
Insomnia
Feeling very tired
Dizziness and fainting
Bluish nails
Brittle hair and nails
Constipation
Dry skin
Irregular heart rhythm

Bulimia nervosa

Fear of gaining weight
Take weight loss supplements to the extreme
Forcibly vomiting food
Doing extreme sports
Use laxatives, diuretics, or enemas regularly

Binge eating

Uncontrolled overeating, even though you are full
Eat secretly
Going on a diet but not losing weight
Depression and anxiety

After getting a diagnosis from a doctor, then you can start planning the best type of treatment for the disorder. Your doctor may refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, nutritionist, or other specialist related to your condition. Follow doctor's recommendations and focus on living a healthy life, not on curing illness or making your body look perfect.