Diagnosing Eating Disorders

Sometimes diagnosis of an Eating Disorder is easy. The person loses weight, sometimes slowly but often at an alarming rate. They begin to display uncharacteristic behaviour and mood swings (refer to section "Is it an eating disorder?").

But in other situations it may be far more difficult to diagnose. No two cases of anorexia or bulimia exhibit the same characteristics. As parents of children/young adults with eating disorders our recommendation would be that if you are suspicious do something about it.

Research repeatedly shows that the sooner you have a diagnosis and start treatment the better the chances of recovery.