First, we need to educate ourselves with the signs and symptoms of anorexia and bulimia.  Anorexia is a
complex eating disorder which is characterized by an obsession with weight, food, and body image.  It
also involves an intentional loss of one’s body weight (falling below 85% of the normal expected weight
for a person’s age and height).  Anorexics have an intense fear of getting fat or gaining weight, as well
as a distorted body image.  Also, Anorexic females will experience an absence of at least 3 consecutive
menstrual cycles.  The key word for anorexia is "restriction" such as fasting or severe dieting.  They also
may engage in odd food rituals, such as cutting food into very small pieces, counting the number of
bites of food, or preparing food for others while refusing to eat themselves.

While anorexics focus on restriction, bulimics are characterized by a recurrent cycle of bingeing and purging.
Bingeing usually involves a rapid consumption of large amounts of food.  It is accompanied by a feeling of being
out of control regarding what one is eating or the quantity of food.  The bulimic also engages in other
measures to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, diuretics, enemas,
other medications, or excessive exercise.  The diagnostic criteria states the binge eating and inappropriate
compensatory behaviors must occur, on the average, at least twice a week for 3 months.

Other behavioral signs of bulimia include: secretive eating (as evidenced by missing food), bathroom visits
after meals, preoccupation with and extreme focus on food and weight, avoidance of restaurants or social
events if food is present, and harsh exercise programs.  Physically, bulimics experience swollen glands, puffy
cheeks, or broken blood vessels near the eyes.  Also, dental problems are common due to the stomach acid
from purging which eat away the tooth enamel and cause decay.  Common factors in both anorexia and
bulimia include: depression, anxiety, distorted body image and constant preoccupation with food and weight.

In determining whether a person is engaged in a harmless diet or a dangerous eating disorder, I look for one
main component –the Negative Mind.  Peggy Claude-Pierre addresses the concept of the Negative Mind in her
book, The Secret Language of Eating Disorders.  She describes it as a "civil war in the mind" and a "dual mindset" (p. 37).  Eating disorder victims are at war with themselves and the Negative Mind’s intensity and power slowly take over the person’s life.  Unless you understand or have experienced the power of the Negative Mind, it is hard to comprehend why an anorexic will starve him/herself, or why a bulimic won’t stop vomiting.  The Negative Mind component turns a harmless diet into a life threatening eating disorder!

Therapy for eating disorders is a long term process because it involves changing destructive thought patterns
and challenging the lies and self-criticisms of the Negative Mind.  Medication may also be part of the treatment
plan to help alleviate the depression and anxiety.  Treatment may include individual psychotherapy, family
therapy, or group therapy.  Inpatient treatment centers are also available for severe cases.

This article was written by Laura Barrett, M.A., L.P.C.  She is a Christian Counselor and can be
contacted at (704) 708-6538 or at CounselorL@aol.com for questions or concerns.