Do I tell my doctor if I think I have an eating disorder?

Do I tell my doctor if I think I have an eating disorder?

Binge eating can run in families. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has ever had an eating disorder or unhealthy habits tied to food. You should also discuss any other problems or concerns you have. This includes your mental health — any thoughts of feeling sad, anxious, or even angry.

Do doctors learn about eating disorders?

Eating disorders are diagnosed based on signs, symptoms and eating habits. If your doctor suspects you have an eating disorder, he or she will likely perform an exam and request tests to help pinpoint a diagnosis. You may see both your primary care provider and a mental health professional for a diagnosis.

Can doctors tell if you have bulimia?

Your doctor will use a variety of tests to diagnose bulimia. First, they will conduct a physical examination. They may also order blood or urine tests. And a psychological evaluation will help determine your relationship with food and body image.

What do blood tests show for anorexia?

These may include a complete blood count (CBC) and more-specialized blood tests to check electrolytes and protein as well as functioning of your liver, kidney and thyroid. A urinalysis also may be done. Psychological evaluation.

What it feels like to be bulimic?

The person with bulimia doesn’t feel sick, she feels desperate, driven. Bingeing and purging temporarily removes stress, like a drug. All focus is on the cycle, from trying to avoid a binge, giving in to the urge, planning, and execution.

Why are GPS important in the treatment of eating disorders?

Primary care providers, such as GPs, come into contact with young people and adults on a daily basis and therefore have an important role in the early identification and treatment of an eating disorder. The purpose of these guidelines, in conjunction with the care pathway, is

Where to go to get help for an eating disorder?

Seeking help for an eating disorder should start with a visit to your GP. EDV recommend that you see your regular GP, or a GP that you are comfortable with, as a first port of call for help with an eating disorder. If you don’t have a regular GP, we advise looking for a GP that lists ‘mental health’ as a treating specialty.

How does the NHS help people with eating disorders?

Both the charity B-eat and an all party parliamentary committee of MPs produced reports to review the current quality of NHS eating disorder services following the tragic deaths of a handful of patients in 2017. As well as the obvious scandalous delays (six months in some areas, a year in others), failings on the part of GPs were a noted concern.

How many patients go to the GP for anorexia nervosa?

•An average GP list includes approximately 2,000 patients at any one time and is likely to include 1-2 patients with Anorexia Nervosa, 18 patients with Bulimia Nervosa and up to 10% of female adolescents will be using harmful weight reduction techniques. Diagnostic Criteria of Eating Disorders Anorexia nervosa

When to see a doctor for an eating disorder?

If your doctor suspects you have an eating disorder, he or she will likely perform an exam and request tests to help pinpoint a diagnosis. You may see both your primary care provider and a mental health professional for a diagnosis.

Who is involved in the treatment of an eating disorder?

Treatment of an eating disorder generally includes a team approach. The team typically includes primary care providers, mental health professionals and dietitians — all with experience in eating disorders.

•An average GP list includes approximately 2,000 patients at any one time and is likely to include 1-2 patients with Anorexia Nervosa, 18 patients with Bulimia Nervosa and up to 10% of female adolescents will be using harmful weight reduction techniques. Diagnostic Criteria of Eating Disorders Anorexia nervosa