Can you have anorexia symptoms without being anorexic?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 21-year-old female, 129.14 lbs. Over a year ago, I was diagnosed with anorexia (eating disorder) by my initial counselor and I have been under-recovery for the same for over a year. During the course of my recovery, I had to change my therapist. The new therapist, recently, during one of our session told me that I do not have anorexia but just an eating disorder. However, all my symptoms are that of anorexia, restricting food intake, starving and inducing vomiting. I have lost my weight from 73 kg to 58 kg. I have been confused, immensely, since then regarding what illness do I really have?

My query is can a person show symptoms of anorexia but not be anorexic? Can they just have an eating disorder? What is that even supposed to mean? I have also been diagnosed with PTSD, depression (mild), anxiety. I am currently on Flunile 50 mg, T-spenzo 1 mg.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Anorexia is a type of eating disorder where the weight is 85 % or below the normal range. In addition to eating disorder symptoms like restricted food intake, self-induced vomiting, menstrual disturbances, etc., the body weight has to be 15% below normal to diagnose anorexia nervosa.

Based on your reported weight and height, your body weight and BMI (body mass index) fall within the normal range. Perhaps that is why your counselor may have said it is an eating disorder and not anorexia nervosa.

Irrespective of this technicality, it is important to get appropriate treatment to address the eating disorder cognitions and behavior which is important. If you are still having self-induced vomiting discuss with your counselor /doctor about having a blood test and physical examination to ascertain your physical health status.

I hope this helps.