Scores range from 5 - 93.

 

A Score of 5-20: A Score this low probably indicates that you do not have a clinically diagnosable eating disorder. However there area many ways that someone can use food or eating rituals as an outlet for stress or as a way to have control over some aspect of their life. For instance, chronic overeating is not a diagnosable disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental illness IV (DSM IV). But it is very clearly a food disorder. The fact that you are taking this test may be an indication that you fall into one of these non-clinical categories.

A score of 21-40: A score in this range indicates that you probably have bulimia; or at least some degree of an eating disorder. Not all bulimics are underweight. In fact, most are normal weight and many are over weight. Those who also have the complication of anorexia are obsessed with being thin and become underweight. Read below for more information.

 

A Score of 41 or above: is a definite indication of an eating disorder, most likely, bulimia. However, there are other psychological disorders that can mimic the symptoms of an eating disorder such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Bulimia often, though not always, is a variant of anorexia nervosa and is characterized by binge-eating then purging, mainly by forced vomiting or laxative and diuretic abuse. This can sometimes lead to irreversible problems in the esophagus, stomach and bowel. Exposure of the teeth to stomach acid from vomiting can cause loss of enamel and irreversible erosion. There's also the long-term risks associated with not getting enough nutrients. Muscles, including the heart muscle, can be damaged by malnutrition and repeated vomiting, usually brought on by using ipecac. There's also the possibility of developing serious heart rhythm abnormalities due to the effects of malnutrition and purging. If malnutrition is severe and occurs during the formative years, bone mass can be irreversibly reduced as well, setting you up for osteoporosis down the road.

Whether or not irreversible long-term effects occur really depends on the severity of the disease and how long it's lasted. For bulimics who do not have the added component of anorexia), the outlook is often fairly good. The most effective way to break the cycle is by undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of psychotherapy teaches you how to change your eating patterns, and gives you new ways to think about your food, weight and body image.

If you're not in a support group, I encourage you to join one. It will help prevent relapses. The food choices you make are also very important. Eat a wholesome nutritious diet with a focus on complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, etc.), fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and low-fat meats. Eat at regular times during the day, being careful not to skip meals. This may also help in preventing a relapse. Be sure to take vitamin supplements, particularly calcium and magnesium. Throw in some moderate exercise and routine physical checkups with a doctor who knows your condition.

 

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DSM IV diagnostic criteria for anorexia and bulimia.

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