On the surface eating disorders are about food and weight. On a deeper level, they are about complex psychological and emotional issues. Often people struggle with eating disorders have common traits:

• Setting very high standards for one's self
• Struggling for a sense of self worth or identity
• A sense of emptiness, loneliness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Feeling a lack of control in life, or in being able to control feelings
• Trouble expressing feelings and emotions
• Family problems and troubled relationships

A professional assessment is critical for the treatment of an eating disorder. It may be challenging to be able to be objective about one’s possible condition and time is precious when fraught with a potentially life threatening disorder. A professional assessment can identify specific behaviors and feelings each individual experiences that may contribute to eating disordered behavior.

Assessing Anorexia, Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder requires a professional trained in the treatment of eating disorders. Plus, an understanding of how the eating disorder symptoms vary amongst individuals and how they function for different people is crucial in determining the need and level of care. Speaking with a professional is vital in obtaining the most accurate, effective and safe therapy as possible.

Understanding the process of an eating disorder is paramount in being able to overcome it and develop coping skills that are more adaptive for a healthy life.