What are the ways to counsel a patient who eats less and is extremely dissatisfied with his body?

Question

Hello doctor,

I might have an eating disorder. I always skip lunch, try to eat as little as possible for breakfast, hate when people are around me at eating time because then I cannot skip it, often purge after dinner, hate my body to the extreme, and sometimes scratch and bite myself. I think I need help. It is not like I am super dissatisfied with the looks that I cry, nor do I lack a sense of control. I think that I look ugly; let's eat less and let it fix all my problems. Even though I know that is not how it works, I continue. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Many teenagers have symptoms such as unhappiness with their body shape, skipping meals, and sometimes purging. If not controlled, this could go into eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa could be the possible reason. But I do not think you have this disorder. You have some anxiety, and this should be controlled. You can visit a psychologist and go for counseling and psycho-education. This will help to control your behavior, and you will be alright. If the symptoms persist, then medical intervention will be needed.

Thank you.