I have been in therapy now for about 3 months. I am 38 years old, 5’2” and *** lbs. I still have my period. Although it is not what most would consider normal, it does show up. My therapist and my Dr. both say I have Anorexia. I disagree. Can you please tell me if you can be considered anorexic and still have your period? I meet all the other criteria, but I want to argue this point. It is making my therapist very angry, as well as my family. – Lisa
Lisa,
We are glad you wrote to us. You bring up a very important point. Classifying eating disorders can be very complicated. The category of Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS) is a category not often discussed, which is why this site is focused on that area.
Experts spend years deciding what combinations of symptoms are serious enough to merit these diagnoses. To be technical, IF a person meets all of the criteria for Anorexia, except she still has “regular” (normal) menses, she would meet the criteria for EDNOS. But as you said, Lisa, your period is “not what most would consider normal”.
An important thing to remember about the diagnosis EDNOS – it is just as serious as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It is not a less deadly disease. It IS, however, a different constellation/combination of symptoms.
Please keep in mind that your physical and emotional health is in jeopardy. Perhaps your therapist and physician are scared for you. You are honest in admitting that you meet the other three criteria for Anorexia. As you know, the first one is a “refusal” to maintain minimal body weight. Part of what makes this a dangerous disease category is that refusal and resistance. When we are “in the disease” we want to sometimes deflect from its seriousness, maybe focus on other arguments or issues. Virtually every doctor or clinician would be comfortable saying you are Anorexic – given your description. And if you technically were EDNOS, this would not change your treatment goals or the need for treatment.
Please focus on getting better and know that your doctors are struggling to help. Cooperating with them would be an awesome gift to yourself. Please keep in touch. We are all pulling for you in your recovery process.
Warmly,
Fb Team