Member Since: September 22, 2006
Answers: 205
Last Update: February 1, 2007
Visitors: 16642
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I'm 20, female. My psychologist informed me that I have EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). I can see where she's coming from, but at the same time, I think she's wrong.
I know I have eating issues. I stay under 600 calories per day, lately it's been under 500. I think about food a lot. I've lost almost 60 pounds (but I'm still overweight--I was obese to begin with).
But I've only been doing this for five or six months. I AM still eating. So it hasn't been that long, and I haven't restricted that much.
First of all, can a psychologist actually diagnose an eating disorder, or is it unofficial unless it comes from a doctor?
Second, is it unfair to classify me as eating disordered? Does it not take away from those who are more severe, for longer? Did my therapist jump the gun?
I know what I'm doing is unhealthy. I just don't think it's as severe as everyone is making it out to be. (link)
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Hhhmmm where to begin...
First as to the question of doctor versus psychologist. Eating disorders are usually mental, not physical; a doctor such as a GP would very likely refer a patient to a psychologist if they suspected that a patient did indeed have an eating disorder. There isn't much a doctor can do beside suscribing meds and telling you to change your eating habits - which many patients would ignore. If there is some actual eating disorder, it is in your mind more than likely (habitual, mental, behavioral), it isn't physical, and it would be squarely in the psychologists ball-park, so to speak. So I would have to say that yes, its official, coming from a Psychologist...at least in the sense that a doctor would tell you they think you have a disease would be official, you can always get a 2nd opinion.
Is it unfair to classify you as having an eating disorder? You yourself say "I know I have eating issues", as well as "I know what I'm doing is unhealthy". Those two comments alone, IMO, are enough to raise serious concerns.
No offense - I'm just being honest when I say this - but I get the impression that you are grasping at straws, and trying to justify a refusal of your diagnosis. You might not even be doing this consciously, but it seems to come out in what you have written here. You know you have a problem, but you argue that it isn't severe. You know its unhealthy, but you counter with the idea that "there are others who are worse" (my re-wording) so it doesn't seem as bad. Even your psychologist feels you have some sort of an eating disorder (which covers a lot of ground btw), and you straight up think he/she is wrong. You do seem to be splitting a lot of hairs here.
I would indeed agree that you are in denial, to some extent.
I'm not saying I would do differently in your position, we all have to grapple with our demons. I denied that I had a drug/alcohol problem a decade ago, and fortunately I was able to come to grips with reality before things fell apart. But I spent a lot of time denying facts, ignoring everyone else, and justifying my own viewpoints in an attempt to convince others (and myself) that what I was doing was 'ok'. I can look back now and see what a fool I was, and I have a lot of regrets. Still though, I am happy with the outcome.
IMHO the best thing to do, is to bring this up to your Psychologist. Tell him/her exactly what you have said here (hell you could show them this thread even). He/She will know how you are feeling, what you are thinking, and will be much better enabled to treat you fairly. Also understand that you are dealing with a mental health issue, and often you need to put your own opinion on the back burner. This is because you are biased, and often patients do not have the point-of-view to be objective as to their condition, in the way that a psychologist would be.
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Rating: 5
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I'm horrid about rating immediately. Sorry about that, and thanks for the reply.
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