The statements Dr Lefevre uses to indicate a food starvation eating disorder are listed below. Again patients are required to score each statement from 5 (like me) to 0 (not like me). With 1 – 4 indicating some presence of the situation. A total of 20 points would indicate that further assessment is necessary.
1. In a restaurant or even at home I have often tried to persuade others to choose dishes that I knew I would like. Even though I would probably refuse to eat them
2. When I have eaten in company I have liked to be with special friends. Or family members whom I can rely upon to finish off some foods for me.
3. I have had a list of so many things that I dare not eat that there has been very little left that I can eat.
4. I have often chewed something (apart from gum) and then taken ot out of my mouth and thrown it away
5. I have particularly enjoyed eating raw vegetables and also salty or sour things
6. When I have eaten in company I have tended to time my eating as a form of strategy so that others are not really aware of just how little I am eating
7. When I have eaten something reasonably substantial I have tended to feel disappointed or even angry with myself as well as slightly relieved
8. I have become irritable and inpatient at meal times if someone has tried to persuade me to eat something
9. I have often avoided meal times by claiming that i have already eaten when it is not true
10. Some food has made me wish I could eat it as other people do but I have nonetheless found that I could not bring myself to do so.
Eating Disorder Issues
Many people with food starving disorders also have food bingeing issues – and some may control their weight by using both behaviours. Many cross addict in other ways – alcohol, drugs, sex and love (relationships), shopping, gambling etc. It is important to address all addictive tendencies from the start as if this is not done. Then the chances of relapse are extremely high. This can be difficult because people may acknowledge that they have one disorder but be unwilling to let go of their alternative source of ‘comfort’. However if they continue to be addicted in another way then they are continuing to run away from their feelings and emotions and while they do this some form of destructive behaviour will persist.
Big Book
As is written in the ‘Big Book’ of Alcoholics Anonymous “we should be fearless and thorough from the very start”.
In order to get into a stable recovery people need to have:
1. Peace of mind despite having outstanding problems
2. Happy, mutually fulfilling relationships
3. Spontaneity, creativity and enthusiasm
With these three elements, life has colour and meaning.
The Haynes Clinic offers residential treatment for dependency on alcohol, drugs and prescription medication. We can also help with other addictions such as gambling and with eating disorders.
If you have an alcohol or drug related problem, please call The Haynes Clinic on 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice and help.
