Referring Physicians

Recognizing an Eating Disorder

A patient suffering from an eating disorder will rarely self identify; however, a health professional can identify signs and symptoms commonly associated with eating disorders.

Signs of anorexia include:

• Amenorrhea
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Bradycardia
• Hypotension
• Unexplained weight loss
• Questions about diet may be answered vaguely
• Lab work is usually normal although one might find anemia, thrombocytopenia or neutropenia.

Signs of bulimia include:

• Abdominal pain
• Aymptoms of GERD
• Fatigue
• Labs also are frequently normal although one might find hypokalemia and high salivary amylase.

Treatment Approach

At the Charis Center, we begin by assessing patient's readiness for change by encouraging them to move forward incrementally and by acknowledging that the path to recovery is not straight. The physicians at the Charis Center treat patients with consideration for their personal motivation, severity of eating disorder, amount of social support and physical condition.

Typical Charis Center treatment includes:

• Patients learn information and develop skills to normalize nutrition and stabilize physical health.
• They learn to identify and challenge unhealthy cultural messages about weight, appearance and performance.
• Because inability to cope with stress stimulates use of the eating disorder, patients practice stress-management techniques. Rather than putting all of their efforts into pleasing other people, patients also learn to nurture themselves.

Contact

6640 Intech Blvd., Suite 195
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Phone: 317.295.0608
Fax: 317.295.0622

Mary R. Rouse, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Director, Charis Center for Eating Disorders
Associate Prof. of Clinical Pediatrics
Division of Adolescent Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
mrouse@iupui.edu