16 year old with bulimia

[neatfreakmom]

My daughter confided in me this past week that she has been making herself throw up after dinner for almost two years.  She is already being treated for anxiety issues by a psychiatrist, but she doesn't want him to know.  She says he makes her "feel stupid".  We have taken her to others in the past, but she doesn't feel comfortable with any of them.  What should we do to help her overcome this problem?

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear neatfreakmom,

Bulimia can be fatal.  Her psychiatrist does need to know about her behavior.  If she is on medication, is she keeping the medication down?  

You daughter needs to be evaluated by an eating disorder expert to determine a course of treatment.  Anxiety disorders are common to eating disorders.

To learn more about bulimia and different levels of care, please visit the bella vita website.  Feel free to contact be directly to discuss.

Best,

Dr Patricia Pitts
Los Angeles, CA
The Bella Vita

[shlee1016]

Hello, I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through. Your daughter is so lucky to have a mother like you. It's great that she came to you like she did. Many people have trouble reaching out for help when struggling with an eating disorder, especially to their own parents. You must be a wonderful and supportive mother. Whether she knows it or not, her doing that was definitely a cry for help. I'm happy to hear that you got her an appointment with her physician since she is someone your daughter trusts. That's a good first step. Have you looked at psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, or support groups in your area to see if any specialize in eating disorders. In my opinion, it's important to try hard to find one that knows about eating disorders. I've suffered from anorexia and bulimia for nine years and I'm trying to get better. I'm more than happy to help in any way possible. I'm 22 and I've been through treatments of different types, and I've seen what my parents have been through because of my illness, etc. I can try to help or talk or anything you might need. My name is Ashley. Feel free to message me as well if you'd like. I wish you the best of luck! =)

[Rach878]

Hello, i'm 18 and have had bulimia for 6 years. I hide my disorder from my mother for 3 years. First of all, the best thing to do for her, is not to get mad at her, let her know that your there for her, that you'll help her in whatever way you can. She obviously told you for a reason. Secound, no matter if she wants help or not, you need to find her some, before her disorder starts to take over her life, the faster you get her into treatment the better, because the longer it goes on for the harder it will be to stop. I know from experience. You could try out this website:Somethingfishy.org. They can help you understand what's going on with her, and some things you can say and do to help. If she's not comfortable with this theripist than you need to help find her someone she is comfortable with, but you should tell him in the meantime, he might know of programs or support groups in your area. I wish you the best of luck in helping your daughter. I wish my mom was as interested in helping me when she first found out.

[Rach878]

I wish you and your daughter the best of luck. I know you're doing  the right thing for her. She is lucky to have such an invested mother.

[neatfreakmom]

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions.  I have made her an appointment with her medical doctor, because she trusts her.  We will get her examined and talk with her and then, we will go from there.  I will do whatever it takes to make her better!!!  My prayers are with you too!