Anorexia???!
Question:
Anorexia???
Hi
I have a friend (male) and I am really worried about him, and think that he is either on the brink of suffering from anorexia, or is currently suffering from it. I have talked to him about his eating habits before, and it hasn't made any difference. I am going to try to talk to him about it tomorrow, has anyone got any ideas how I could help him (i.e what to say)?
And also, just to check, what are the symptoms of anorexia? (I am pretty sure i have then right, but just to be sure)
Any help is much appreciated!
Answers:
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that your friend is struggling. All you can do is be there for him and voice your concern. Perhaps referring him to an eating disorders therapist might help, if he is willing to check it out. In terms of diagnostic criteria, DSM criteria for anorexia nervosa is as follows:
-Refusal to maintain a body weight that is at or above the minimal normal weight for age and height (below 85% IBW)
-Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though the person is underweight
-Denying the seriousness of having a low body weight, or having a distorted image of one's appearance or shape
-In women who've started having periods, the absence of a period for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles
In case you need it, here is a link to a eating disorders treatment finder:
http://www.something-fishy.org/treatment...
Good luck to you!