Disordered Eating Issues

Many factors contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns, and it is important to know what signs and symptoms to look for. What’s most important is that you get some help thinking through whatever is interfering with your life and daily functioning. Dr. Lyndsay has been an expert in food and body image issues since 1996, and founded her private practice in 2004. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment settings, and large portion of her practice serves patients with food and body image issues. Dr. Lyndsay is committed to education in the field, increasing awareness and resources for the public, speaking regularly in her programs as outlined on the presentations page.

FAQ

Do I have an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is essentially an unhealthy relationship with food. Often those suffering have been skipping meals, taking smaller portions, avoiding eating with others, eating in secret and come up with convincing excuses not to eat (I am not hungry, I just ate, I am not feeling well). In other cases, patients find ways to get ‘rid’ of what was eaten through self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, diet pills or diuretics.

What are the warning signs?

• Chronic dieting
• Dishonesty about what was eaten
• Avoiding a wide and growing range of foods
• Avoiding eating with family or friends
• Rigid food rules; inflexible about what, when & how much to eat
• Preoccupation with calories, nutrition and fat content
• Eating in secret, or food in the house goes missing
• Anger at others if pressed to eat something
• Noticeable weight fluctuations
• Fear of over-eating, or gaining weight from a particular meal or type of food
• Compulsive exercise
• Menstrual irregularities
• Spends a longer than normal time in the bathroom
• Repetitive requests for reassurance about appearance
• Social withdrawal

How do I get help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, you may contact Dr. Lyndsay for an initial consultation. She is a caring and compassionate therapist, and together, you will discuss the best course for treatment and recovery.