Do I Have an Eating Disorder? But wait, eating disorders are a group of serious mental health conditions that involve disturbances in eating behavior. These eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
We have developed this eating disorder test for those who are willing to determine whether or not they might have eating disorder symptoms, but we cannot predict which type of eating disorder you might have.
Only a mental health professional can diagnose eating disorders and can tell whether you have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder.
This screening test consists of 11 questions related to your behavior and experiences. Please keep in mind that this tool can be beneficial and may be the first step toward the diagnosis of eating disorders by a mental health professional.
How do I know if I’ve had an eating disorder?
While eating disorder tests and online tools may indicate signs of eating disorders, they should not substitute for a professional diagnosis. Only a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist can make a final and proper diagnosis of eating disorders, utilizing the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).
If you suspect you may have an eating disorder, then ask the below questions to yourself and if you agree with most of these questions then you may consult a psychiatrist for diagnosis.
- Do I restrict my food intake or avoid certain foods in order to control my weight?
- Do I engage in binge eating, eating large amounts of food in a short period of time and feeling out of control during these episodes?
- Do I engage in behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives or diuretics to compensate for eating?
- Do I have a preoccupation with food and weight, constantly thinking about food and monitoring my weight and body shape?
- Do I have a distorted body image, feeling dissatisfied with my appearance despite significant weight loss?
- Do I have an intense fear of gaining weight?
- Do I have secretive behavior about my eating habits, hiding food or avoiding eating in public?
- Do my eating habits negatively affect my daily life and overall well-being?
If you agree to most of these questions then you should consult a mental health professional and get yourself further evaluated.
A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis and help you develop a treatment plan.
Who is this eating disorder quiz for?
This eating disorder quiz is for anyone, there is no age or gender restriction but it may be appropriate for only those who may be experiencing symptoms or concerns related to an eating disorder, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
It may also be helpful for friends or family members who may be worried about a loved one’s eating habits.
However, it is important to note that a quiz is not a substitute for a professional evaluation and diagnosis.
Is this self-assessment test accurate?
The eating disorder test developed by IllnessQuiz has proven helpful in identifying potential symptoms and concerns, although accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This screening test consists of a series of questions about a person’s eating habits, experiences, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings regarding food and their body.
Our algorithm scores your responses, with high scores indicating a positive result and low scores suggesting a low likelihood of having the disorder.
I got a high score which made me anxious.
Taking an eating disorder test or quiz can be a difficult and emotional experience for some people, especially if they are concerned that they may have an eating disorder.
It is normal to feel anxious or stressed when thinking about these issues and confronting them through a test.
It is important to remember that seeking help and getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in getting the right treatment and support.
What percentage of the population has an eating disorder?
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 30 million Americans of all ages and genders will suffer from an eating problem at some point in their lives.
Anorexia nervosa is one of the most serious and life-threatening eating disorders and it has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 0.9% to 4.0% in females and 0.1% to 0.3% in males.
Bulimia nervosa has a lifetime prevalence of 1.5% to 3.7% in females and 0.5% to 1.0% in males.
Binge eating disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 2.8% to 4.6% in females and 2.0% to 3.5% in males.
Please remember that eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds and that these prevalence rates are not fixed and may change over time.
References
- WebMD signs of eating disorder Accessed Jan/ 26/2023
- ANAD eating disorder statistics Accessed Jan/26/2023