FAQ

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Q: My daughter has anorexia. Is it my fault?
A: Absolutely not! Anorexia nervosa is nobody's "fault", and it is an utterly meaningless exercise even to begin to think of allocating" blame" to anyone involved -and that includes both the sufferer and the various people around them. Obviously any eating disorder can prompt many uncomfortable questions of this nature for a suffers family and friends alike, and this is where CEDA's support groups can help. If you find yourself asking questions along this line, why not come to one of our monthly groups?

Q: Is bingeing an eating disorder?
A: It depends, what one person calls a binge another would see as just a tiny snack. Also, nearly everyone overeats from time to time, or finds themselves wolfing down chocolate when they're feeling low. But for some people bingeing can be part of an eating disorder, whether it's anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder etc. If you have cause to believe your bingeing is out of hand and is more than just occasional, then do go and talk to your GP. Please remember that a snack attack is normal but compulsive bingeing of large amounts of food accompanied by guilt and self-loathing should be reported to your GP.

Q: I think my friend throws up her food, what should I do?
A: If you really suspect your friend is making herself sick, you may have great trouble in getting her to admit it. If you confront her straight out you may find she tries to reject you, unless she is really desperate to change what she is doing. Try to move the focus away from food and weight. Is there anything troubling her? Try to get her to open up a little to you, if you are still increasingly convinced she has a problem try to get her to talk to someone. A person whose authority she might recognise and enlist is often helpful.
Above all, don't think it is your job to cure her and don't feel guilty that she won't respond.
All you can do is your best for your friend.

Q: What causes Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Eating etc.?
A: There is virtually no feature in life that doesn't affect eating, and there are as many theories about the causes of eating disorders, as there are factors that influence eating habits. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that there is ever going to be a single answer that leads to a perfect cure. Much of what we do now is to increase our understanding by examining the consequences and history influencing each individual case.
If you read some of our book reviews and follow up the evidence in more detail you will be able to come to your own judgement.

Q: Can you ever get completely better from an eating disorder?
A: An unreserved YES!
Reading our personal accounts may leave you feeling that eating disorders can be devastating, this is true; but people do get better all the time and the treatment and support of eating disorders improves the patient’s chances. We at CEDA are committed to improving awareness and support for all people affected by eating disorders.

Become Familiar with the Signs and Symptoms of Possible Eating Disorders
The early detection of an eating disorder can increase the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery. In your interactions with your child, you may notice one or more of the physical, behavioural, and emotional signs and symptoms of eating disorders.

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