When
doctors suspect someone has an eating disorder, they
typically run a battery of tests and exams. These
can help pinpoint a diagnosis and also assess any
related complications.
These exams and tests
generally include:
Physical
Exam
This may include such things as
measuring height and weight; assessing body mass index; checking vital
signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; checking the
skin; listening to the heart and lungs; and examining the abdomen.
Laboratory
Tests
These may include a complete blood
count (CBC), as well as more specialized blood tests to check such
things as cholesterol levels, thyroid functioning, electrolytes and
blood sugar, which may determine if you have metabolic syndrome.
Psychological Evaluation
A doctor or
mental health professional can assess thoughts, feelings and eating
habits. Psychological self-assessments and questionnaires also are used
to help determine your attitudes about food and your appearance. Because
eating disorders are often associated with depression and anxiety,
doctors can check for those conditions, too.
Other
Studies
Other studies may be done to
check for health consequences of binge-eating disorder, such as heart
problems, gallbladder disease or sleep apnea.
Criteria for
Diagnosis
Binge-eating disorder is not yet classified as a specific mental health
condition. Mental health conditions are spelled out in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by
the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health
professionals to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to
reimburse for treatment.
The DSM says more research is
needed before determining whether binge-eating disorder is truly a unique
medical condition. However, it offers some criteria for diagnosing
binge-eating disorder.
DSM diagnostic criteria for
binge-eating disorder are:
- Recurrent episodes of
binge eating, including eating an abnormally large amount of food and
feeling a lack of control over eating.
- Binge eating that's associated with at least three of these factors: eating rapidly; eating
until uncomfortably full; eating large amounts when not hungry; eating
alone out of embarrassment; feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty after
eating.
- Distress about binge eating.
- Binge eating occurring at least twice a week for at least six months.
- Binge eating not associated with inappropriate methods to compensate for overeating, such
as self-induced vomiting.
Some people may not meet all
of these criteria but still have an eating disorder and need professional
help.
