How to Talk to Your Doctor About Bulimia – Part 2

So the first thing to realize when considering how to talk to your doctor about bulimia is that you shouldn’t be met with judgment but rather with concern and support. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your personal doctor about the symptoms you believe you are experiencing then investigate your other options in your community.

Many hospitals have eating disorder clinics that work with psychologists in the community who are familiar with the issues and concerns that sufferers must face each day. Sometimes there are community eating disorder clinics where you can find help and support.

In either case your doctor will be doing a thorough history and physical. During the history they will be determining how long you’ve been experiencing these feelings and symptoms as well as if others in your family have suffered from other eating disorders or mental illnesses.

During the physical examination the doctor may request a couple of blood tests to determine your overall health and whether there has been long term damage done to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, neurological system or reproductive system.

When you consider how to talk to your doctor about bulimia the real question is only how to broach the subject. Because your doctor is likely to be experienced talking to people with an eating disorder you won’t have to worry about justifying your behavior or explaining why you feel you might have a problem.

There is no shame in having an eating disorder and seeking help. On the other hand, in a society where help is available on almost every corner it is a shame when people suffer in silence creating physical and emotional damage that will last their lifetime.

Resources:

MD Junction: Coming “Clean” with Your Doctor about Bulimia

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/bulimia-nervosa-discussions/general-support/659707-coming-clean-with-you-doctor-about-bulimia

Womens Health: Bulimia Nervosa Fact Sheet

http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/bulimia-nervosa.html

Bulimia Help: How to Tell Your Doctor You Have Bulimia

http://www.bulimiahelp.org/community/forums/how-tell-your-doctor-you-have-bulimia

Univesity of maryland medical Center: BUlimia Nervosa

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/bulimia-nervosa

University of Michigan Health System: Eating Disorders: What Families Need to know

http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/eatdis.htm