SWEDAUK, for pro-recovery help & support around anorexia & bulimia nervosa and compulsive (binge) eating in Somerset, England
Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association
"Serving those affected by eating disorders"
Strode House, 10 Leigh Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0HA, England, UK
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Back to the Eating Disorders Index PageEating Disorders Eating Disorders Index Page
A bit about how anorexia, bulimia, binge and compulsive eating and other eating disorders are definedSome Definitions
Some symptoms of eating disorders to look out forCommon Symptoms
Medical information about eating disorders. By Dr Hugh Herzig of The STEPS Project, Bristol.Medical Information
Men get eating disorders too!Males and EDs
Other disorders with some related symptomsOther 'Disorders'
Facts about eating disorders - The National Institue of Mental HealthFacts about EDs
Articles from Microsoft Encarta OnlineEncarta Articles
The Mysterious Origins of Eating Disorders - by Dr Alex YellowleesThe Mysterious Origins
A Personal Perspective - by Anna PatersonA personal perspective
Eating Disorders from the perspective of a suffererA sufferer's View
Eating Disorder Pathologies - by Professor Arthur CrispED Pathologies
The Dyslipophobias - by Professor Arthur CrispThe Dyslipophobias
Aestivation, of eating disorders and lungfish!Aestivation
A leaflet on Eating Disorders by SWEDA VolunteersSWEDA Leaflet

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Back to the Homepage Some common symptoms

Eating disorders can be very serious conditions and, depending on the nature and stage of the eating disorder, can have a range of physical and psychological implications. Some of these symptoms are used by certain diagnostic systems in defining an eating disorder and others are not. Some common symptoms, and possible consequences, are listed below. Some of this may seem a bit (or more than a bit) scary; it is not the intention to try to frighten but simply to be honest and informative. The majority of problems associated with the various eating disorders can be redressed in recovery. The information on this page is by no means complete nor should it be taken as authoritative and anyone with medical concerns or questions should consult with their G.P. or another healthcare professional.

UK residents may like to note too that the National Health Service runs it's own 24 hour helpline for people wanting health related advice - NHS Direct on 0845 4647, they are also online at http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/.

If you have had a look at the section on Definitions you'll know that there is no medical test to detect the presence of an eating disorder, so the medical profession defines and diagnoses an eating disorder by the presence of certain symptoms (as laid down in whatever Diagnostic Criteria is being used). Each eating disorder has, however, rather more symptoms than appear in these diagnostic criteria. Most of these other symptoms (not all of which will be present for everyone) tend to come about as a consequence of these primary symptoms. It is, however, worth noting that some symptoms appearing in the diagnostic criteria are in themselves dependent on other diagnostic symptoms e.g. with Anorexia Nervosa amenorrhoea or endocrine disorder are listed in the diagnostic criteria whilst being themselves a consequence of low body weight.

The table below lists some of the symptoms (and causes) that sufferers of particular eating disorders may experience. Please note that it not a complete or comprehensive list nor is it a diagnostic tool in any way. It is meant only to show examples of some of the symptoms associated with specific eating disorders. Not everyone one suffering with an eating disorder will necessarily have all of these symptoms.

Additional snippets of information can be viewed by holding the mouse pointer over the icon - note this requires a DHTML compatible browser.

Anorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaCompulsive (Binge) Eating

Starvation

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizzy spells and fainting
  • Constipation and stomach pain
  • Difficulty in concentrating or thinking
  • Depression
  • Feeling the cold
  • Muscle weakness
  • skin problems
  • Brittle bones
  • Endocrine Dysfunction

 

Weight loss methods

Vomiting/laxative abuse

Similar symptoms to vomiting and laxative abuse with Bulimia Nervosa.

Bingeing

  • Secrecy when eating
  • Fluctuating weight
  • Feelings of guilt and shame
  • Feeling out of control
  • Isolation
  • Depression


Purging

Vomiting

  • Tooth damage from stomach acid
  • Cracks around side of mouth
  • Swollen salivary glands - puffy face
  • Sore, inflamed throat
  • Electrolyte imbalance may lead to:~
    • Irregular heartbeats
    • Muscle weakness
    • Fluid imbalance
    • Kidney damage
    • Epileptic fits

Laxative Abuse

  • Stomach pain
  • Damage to bowels
  • Poor skin
  • Tiredness and lethargy
  • Electrolyte imbalance as with vomiting

Bingeing

  • Secrecy when eating
  • High blood pressure
  • Feelings of guilt and shame
  • Feeling out of control
  • Isolation
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Weight gain
    • may lead to obesity and related health problems

Additionally, many people with Compulsive Eating problems often describe being made to feel weak willed, worthless and that their condition is in some way not as a valid or traumatic as Anorexia or Bulimia. This may increase the feelings of shame and lead sufferers to feeling increasingly depressed and isolated.

In addition, all eating disorders may lead to depression, feelings of guilt, shame and hopelessness, damage to self esteem and possibly suicidal thoughts and actions.

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