Taking a Self Test for Eating Disorders;Good Way To Determine if You Have an Eating Disorder

Taking a Self Test for Eating Disorders;Good Way To Determine if You Have an Eating Disorder
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Self Help with Eating Disorders - Tests You Can Take, That Work

People who have body image and weight concerns should take a self test for eating disorders. While there are many types of eating disorders, there is enough similarity in the causes and behaviors that taking a self test can give a good indication if there is a danger of an eating disorder developing.

Self Criticism and Negative Body Image

Eating disorder sufferers are usually very critical of themselves. Many believe that they aren’t thin enough, pretty or popular enough, their clothes don’t fit right, and that people talk about them behind their backs.

They are not happy with their looks, their bodies, and their lives.

They throw out comments about being chunky or fat. Much of what they talk about is related to looks, image, and popularity. They are obsessed with the physical image.

Some self test questions to ask may be:

  • Am I always on a diet because I think I am too fat?
  • Am I constantly telling myself or others that I don’t like the way I look?
  • Do I compare my body to those on television or in magazines and come up short?
  • Do I obsess over my body size or weight?
  • Do I watch every calorie or gram of fat that I eat?
  • Am I disgusted with the way I look?
  • Do I think that everyone is talking about the way I look?
  • Are other people’s opinions more important than my own?
  • Do I stick up for myself or just stay quiet when I feel that someone confronts me?
  • Am I depressed? Have low energy? Withdrawing from friends and family?
  • Have I gone through a traumatic event recently? Am I going through a very stressful time right now?
  • Do I sometimes think the world would be better off without me?

These are very good questions that someone who suspects they may have an eating disorder may ask of themselves. These same questions may be ones you ask of another person who you suspect may have an eating disorder.

Physical Behaviors

Physical behaviors will differ from one eating disorder to another. Some will not eat enough to sustain healthy body weight while others binge and overeat, causing them to gain weight.

Here are a few self test questions regarding behaviors about eating or mealtimes.

  • Even though I am thin, am I still dieting?
  • Have I had rapid weight loss or weight gain?
  • Am I taking diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics?
  • Am I exercising to an unnatural degree?
  • Am I disappearing to the bathroom immediately after meals to purge?
  • Am I being secretive in my eating habits?
  • Am I withdrawing myself from meals with family and friends?
  • Do I eat alone because I am embarrassed with how little or how much I eat?
  • Am I constantly making excuses to avoid meal times?
  • Am I avoiding social situations that involve food while others are around?
  • Am I eating secretively at night?
  • Am I hoarding food?
  • Am I sleeping enough?
  • Am I sleeping more to avoid being around others?

If you answer yes to more than a very few of these questions, there is a strong possibility that you have an eating disorder and should think about seeking help. These behaviors lead to health conditions and risks that are avoidable if you seek treatment early on.

References

University of Michigan Health System - Eating Disorders; What Families Need To Know: https://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/eatdis.htm

Help Guide.org - Helping Someone With An Eating Disorder: https://www.helpguide.org/mental/eating_disorder_treatment.htm