Eating Disorders

If you suffer from an eating disorder, you are not alone. Since the 1970s, the number of people diagnosed with an eating disorder has increased dramatically. There is no longer the shame or stigma that was once attached to this often debilitating and serious disorder. If you suspect you may be suffering from an eating disorder, here is what you can expect in terms of screening and diagnosis.

When you first visit your doctor, he or she will first conduct a complete physical examination. Your doctor will ask you several questions regarding your medical history, your body image, and eating habits. The doctor will want to know whether you are participating in self-induced vomiting, whether you are using laxatives to facilitate weight loss, whether you are taking part in an obsessive exercise routine or diet, and how you perceive your body image. These symptoms, along with a full account of your eating habits, are necessary to make a positive diagnosis.
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