How do I know if I have an Eating Disorder?

The following questions explore your relationship with food and eating. Carefully read each statement and then select the appropriate response for the question.

Please answer every question. If you have difficulty with a statement, choose the response that is mostly right.

These questions refer to the past twelve months.

Question

1.  I restrict my food intake or starve myself (i.e. eat very little, eat nothing, or try to eat as little as possible)      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

2.  I use methods such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercise to "control" my weight or get rid of the food I have just eaten.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

3.  I eat large quantities of food (larger than a normal portion size) in a short periods of time      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

4.  I eat when I am not hungry to feel comforted or to serve as a distraction.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

5.  My exercise routine is rigorous and takes up a major portion of my day. I exercise even if I am sick, hurt, or it interferes with other plans.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

6.  I weigh myself often and the number on the scale dictates my mood and self worth for the day. I am continuously trying to lower the number.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

7.  I am secretive about my eating practices and make excuses to eat alone or not eat at all.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

8.  I feel guilty after eating a snack, meal, or a binge. I feel as though I have instantly gained weight and am a failure.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

9.  While engaging in eating, self-starving, binging or purging, I feel comforted, relieved, and more in control.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

10.  Despite my friends and family members telling me I look thin, I see myself as "fat" or needing to lose more weight.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

11.  I am dizzy, tired, weak, or sick.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

12.  I have had an irregular or not present menstrual cycle for three months or more.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never:

13.  I have felt depressed and irritable lately and spend most of my time alone.      Often:     Sometimes:     Rarely:     Never: