Signs That Your Spouse May Be Dealing with Purging Disorder

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

When it comes to eating disorders, many people may be aware of or have heard of the more common disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.

However, there are other types of eating disorders outside of these three that countless individuals struggle with, including purging disorder, which is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent purging episodes in the absence of binge eating.

Unlike bulimia, individuals who struggling with purging disorder will engage in the compensatory of purging alone, either through self-induced vomiting, abuse of diuretics, enemas, laxatives, or excessive exercise.

Understanding Purging Disorder

On the surface level, a purging disorder may appear as a means of controlling weight or an attempt to maintain a certain body form, but this is the stigma that is often associated with many eating disorders. Eating disorders, including purging disorder, are severe psychiatric illnesses that are complex by nature, and many factors may be contributing to a person’s need to purge. This might include an underlying mood disorder, biological influences, unresolved trauma and more.

Being Aware of Signs and Symptoms

Many individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder, such as purging disorder, often attempt to keep their behaviors discreet, which often lead to isolation. If you have noticed that your spouse has spent more time alone, frequently disappears to the bathroom after meals, and avoids participating in social events and functions, these behaviors may be indicative of a more serious problem.

In addition, if your spouse is engaging in recurrent purging episodes, you may be aware of other signs and symptoms of these behaviors, such as the smell of vomit, empty bottles of diuretics, eroded or cracked teeth, broken blood vessels in the eyes, swollen salivary glands and more.

Contrary to what many individuals might assume, weight is not an indicator of an eating disorder, such as purging disorder. A person with purging disorder may be at any type of weight range, and this should not be used as an indicator of an eating disorder.

If you suspect that your spouse has purging disorder, be sure to communicate your concerns with your loved one and encourage them to connect with professional help for intervention, treatment and recovery.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

If you or a loved one has struggled with purging disorder, what resources were helpful for you in finding recovery and healing?

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About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 8, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com