How to Tell the Difference Between Anorexia and Bulimia

Any type of eating disorder can be difficult not only for the sufferer of the disorder, but also for their family. Understanding the difference between anorexia and bulimia is an essential place to start to determine how best to overcome the disorder.

Signs to look for

• It is easy to confuse anorexia and bulimia as they have several symptoms which are very much alike. The two disorders cause the sufferer to focus on food, whether in relation to not eating it or eating it excessively before purging. Sufferers of both disorders will act in similar ways, using similar secretive and unusual behaviours to hide what they are going through. This can be caused by shame or the desire to continue to live within the confines of the disorder without being caught.
• The need to maintain control is prevalent so take note of any strong reaction to control being lost or any stress in the individual’s life. Sufferers of anorexia and bulimia will be very adept at finding excuses for why they have not eaten or for avoiding meal times completely, and will usually be aware of the calorie content of food. Lack of nutrition that would normally come from food will cause a number of physical and mental anomalies to sufferers. Issues such as poor skin, thinning hair, excessive tiredness and stomach cramps are commonplace for those suffering from anorexia and bulimia.
• Additionally, those that suffer the former disorder will often end up with teeth erosion from stomach acid. Insisting on wearing baggy clothes, even in sunny conditions, can also be a sign of there being something to worry about as it suggests a need to hide the body.

Technical aspects

• Anorexia and bulimia are both eating disorders that can be diagnosed by a medical professional, with each having their own specific symptoms. Anorexia, which is also known as anorexia nervosa, is characterised by a complete failure to eat at all, some sufferers only eating a very limited amount throughout any given day. They will often be acutely aware of the number of calories in each morsel they eat and will have a routine when they do eat.
• Bulimics will go through a cycle of binging and purging, which involves eating a significant amount of food in one sitting before bringing it up again almost immediately afterwards. Both disorders have a cause that partially stems from a deep need to control as well as the body issues that can be expected. Sufferers of both anorexia and bulimia will need counselling to improve their relationship with food.