Diagnosis of an Eating Disorder
Unfortunately, there are no blood tests or simple diagnostic tools to identify an eating disorder. Further complicating the matter, the symptoms and signs of an eating disorder are rarely clear-cut at early stages, and differ between children and adults, men and women.
The most common diagnostic classification system for eating disorders is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Click for the Anorexia and bulimia and binge eating disorder descriptions.
It is important to know that most eating disorder patients do not meet strict diagnosis guidelines. Most patients are classified under DSM IV as "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)." This does not mean the illness is not as serious, only that the symptoms do not fit neatly into the categories. EDNOS is just as dangerous as a diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia.
If a loved one shows only a few of the symptoms of an eating disorder, or denies that anything is wrong, this is not reason to put the issue aside. Denying and concealing symptoms are common, and many patients are unable to accurately report their thoughts or feelings. Early detection and assertive treatment are the best way to prevent chronic illness and death.
If you have concerns, follow your instincts and get the advice of an eating disorders specialist (hot link to referral page)- not a general practitioner who may not be trained in eating disorders. Eating disorder specialists should be recently trained and engaged in ongoing education in the field. Most specialists are active members of the Academy for Eating Disorders (hot link to http://www.aedweb.org/) , and/or the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (hot link tohttp://www.iaedp.com/) . IAEDP also offers certification for clinicians: Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) in mental health or a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist in Nutrition (CEDSN).
Levels of care
Once the need for care has been determined, an individual and his or her loved ones must determine the best place for the patient to receive treatment.
* Outpatient (OP): The patient lives at home and attends hourly sessions at a therapist's office
* Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): The patient lives at home but attends sessions much of the day and may eat most meals at the clinic
* Partial Hospitalization (PHP): The patient lives part of the time at the hospital and part of the time at home
* Inpatient (IP): The patient is hospitalized, usually for medical stabilization, and may or may not receive therapy
* Residential: Full time, long-term residence at a specialized treatment facility ranging from a few weeks to several months
Determining the appropriate level of care for a patient is an extremely important decision. Parents should carefully research all options early in the process to avoid being forced to make difficult decisions in a crisis. All alternatives must be carefully researched and references checked from independent sources. Price and geographical distance are often not the most relevant factors. It is very important to make decisions based on the patient's individual circumstances and the specific training and abilities of the clinic or clinician.
Medical, diagnostic, supervisory, and philosophical approaches to eating disorders vary widely between clinicians and clinics. It is appropriate for parents and loved ones to be involved with and to thoroughly research any treatment environment before committing to care.
