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female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: I haven't been eating properly and have been making myself sick for a few years now. I've recently had a blood test done at my doctors and i'm worried the blood test can detect eating disorders. I'd be way too embarrassed to discuss this with my doctor.Can blood tests detect an eating disorder? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Candid Cally  +, writes (1 October 2012):
No, a blood test can not detect an eating disorder.
Depending on the blood test, it may show that you are anemic, hypoglycemic, have an electrolyte imbalance, or some level of malnutrition or vitamin/mineral deficiency. These are all things that are symptoms of your eating disorder, but unless you discuss your eating disorder with your doctor, it is highly unlikely that you will be properly treated.
I've had an eating disorder for more than half of my life. If you are having health problems stemming from your eating disorder, it is best that you just tell your doctor NOW so you can be referred to a specialist. Things do NOT get better unless you talk to medical professionals who can help and make an effort to nourish your body.
If nothing else, you can help yourself by buying a complete multivitamin (one that has close to 100% of all of your required vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals). Most multivitamin tablets have absolutely no calories, so, you don't have to worry about putting it in your body. Take one of these vitamins daily with a full glass of water and keep it down.
I understand how difficult it is to try and get help for an eating disorder. The truth is, until you speak with a specialist and work on the issues that are behind the disorder, it will continue to ruin your body and eventually it will ruin your life.
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female
reader, eyeswideopen +, writes (1 October 2012):
 Depends on what they are testing for, but it can show abnormally low levels of certain key nutrients. I wonder if Karen Carpenter was embarrassed to talk to her doctor?
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female
reader, AuntyEm  +, writes (1 October 2012):
 No he will not be able to detect an eating disorder, but any anomalys that show up in your test...he's going to be asking questions. You should not be embarrassed to speak to a Doctor because that is their job and what they are trained for.
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female
reader, person12345 +, writes (1 October 2012):
 "I'd be way too embarrassed to discuss this with my doctor."
That's what they're for. An eating disorder isn't something you can get through on your own, you need help. Doctors are there to help, eating disorders are not embarrassing, they are serious and your doctor won't judge you. It's not something you chose to have. They won't judge you any more than someone with a broken leg. I know mental health can be scary to discuss with people, because there is this notion that people with mental health issues bring it on themselves or that they can think themselves out of it, but doctors know this is not the case. They know that you are suffering and that you can't just make yourself eat some french fries or will yourself into being healthy.
You need to seek help for your disorder. If you can't talk to your doctor about it, find someone you can talk to. The blood test won't show an eating disorder specifically, but if you are unhealthy it can raise some red flags and they might put 2 and 2 together.
There is nothing to be ashamed of in seeking help. You wouldn't tell someone who had an infection to tough it out and try to recover on their own, why should you do the same because yours is mental? Please take care of yourself.
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reader, anonymous, writes (1 October 2012): Yes, they can detect problems using blood tests. It depends on which tests they order. If it is obvious you have imbalances in your blood chemistry, they will take a closer look.
http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/bulimia/diagnosis.html
Why don't you want to be healthy?
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