A 30-year-old member asked:
I'm worried about a friend who may have an eating disorder - anorexia?
2 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Help eating disorder: Anorexia nervosa, bulemia, & other eating disorders are potentially life-threatening diseases best treated by providers who have substantial clinical experience in dealing, on both an outpatient and inpatient basis, with the conditions. There are centers of excellence at many tertiary institutions that combine the expertise of many specialists--find one near him please and get him/her help soon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Bernadette Onuohaanswered
Psychiatry 40 years experience
Tell her: Tell your friend about your concerns (she will probably dismiss/deny it). If you feel her disorder is serious you may want to inform other people in her life who are more likely to influence her to get an evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
Canada
A female asked:
What are signs that you may be developing an eating disorder?Specifically anorexia and possibly bulimia?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulemia, & other eating disorders are potentially life-threatening diseases best treated by providers who have substantial clinical experience in dealing, on both an outpatient & inpatient basis, with the conditions. There are centers of excellence at many tertiary institutions that combine the expertise of many specialists--find one near you please if you think you are at risk.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Is there any other eating disorders besides anorexia? If so, what are they?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Barbara Toohillanswered
Clinical Psychology 14 years experience
Several: Along with anorexia, the other primary eating disorder is bulimia, with the difference between the two being whether a person maintains a "normal" body weight. Currently however, excessive overeating is also getting attention as a form of eating disorder. While it is not currently a separate, distinct condition, in many ways it fits within the same "family" of disorders.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
I am wondering what can I do for my friend with an eating disorder?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Lynne Weixelanswered
Clinical Psychology 38 years experience
Not easy, but: Make it clear that you really care and are concerned. Share that from what you understand, it can become a dangerous medical problem - that it is hard to turn it around without help but that with help it is almost always corrected. If there is a resource in your area that offers group work - like the 12-step thing - you might volunteer to go too. Be as patient as you can unless danger is an issue.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
What to do to help a friend with an eating disorder?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Barbara Lavianswered
Clinical Psychology 37 years experience
Get professional: Get professional help, make sure they start working with a therapist and be there to support them as they go through the therapeutic process. You cannot do it alone and neither can they. It is a serious potentially life threatening illness, so make sure they get treatment asap.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 24, 2014
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