In the age of Google searches, TikTok mental health influencers, and self-assessment quizzes, it’s tempting to think we can diagnose ourselves with just a few clicks. While self-awareness is crucial, when it comes to eating disorders, self-diagnosis can be misleading, incomplete, or even harmful.
At Remedy Therapy for Eating Disorders, we often hear from clients who suspected they had a problem long before they sought help—but also from those who dismissed their struggles because they didn’t “fit the mold” of what they believed an eating disorder looks like. Let’s unpack the reality.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions involving persistent disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. They’re not just about food—they’re deeply tied to issues of self-worth, control, anxiety, trauma, and more.
Some of the most common eating disorders include:
- Anorexia Nervosa – Restricting food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image.
- Bulimia Nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, over-exercising).
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED) – Frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without purging.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Limited food intake not driven by body image concerns, but by sensory sensitivity, fear of choking, or low appetite.
Why Self-Diagnosing Eating Disorders Is Risky
While you may recognize symptoms or relate to stories shared online, self-diagnosing can present serious problems:
Eating Disorders Don’t Always Look the Way You Think
You don’t have to be underweight to have anorexia. You don’t need to purge to struggle with bulimia. Weight, appearance, or food rituals alone don’t tell the full story. Many people with serious eating disorders are in average or larger bodies—and this can delay them from seeking help.
Overlap With Other Conditions
Disordered eating can be a symptom of other mental health issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, or trauma. A licensed professional can help differentiate and treat what’s really going on underneath.
You May Downplay Your Struggles
People often convince themselves they’re “not sick enough” to deserve help. But waiting until things get worse not only makes recovery harder, it also increases medical risks—eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.
The Role of Clinical Diagnosis
A licensed eating disorder specialist or therapist uses standardized assessments, clinical interviews, and a deep understanding of co-occurring issues to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This isn’t just about labels—it’s about building a treatment plan that supports both physical and psychological healing.
Professionals also take into account the social, cultural, and systemic factors that influence disordered eating—things that self-diagnosis tools often miss.
So, What Should You Do If You Suspect a Problem?
If you’ve been thinking about food or your body constantly…
If eating (or not eating) feels like a source of control, punishment, or relief…
If your habits are interfering with daily life…
That’s enough reason to talk to someone. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to deserve help.
How Remedy Therapy Can Help
At Remedy Therapy for Eating Disorders, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique experiences. Whether you’re seeking clarity, starting your recovery journey, or supporting a loved one, our team is here to guide you.
We believe that early intervention saves lives—and that everyone, no matter how “mild” their symptoms may seem, deserves healing.
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I have an eating disorder?”, don’t go it alone.
Let’s talk. Reach out to us at remedytherapycenterforeatingdisorders.com to schedule a confidential consultation.