what do I have to do here!!!

[mcjay]

I've just been to a dietician appointment and it was absolutely no use whatsoever. My doctor says I have an eating disorder and I'm sure it's now Bulimia. I go for 2-3 days without food then completely binge following which I make myself sick and take laxatives. I lost loads of weight last year with limiting my calories extremely yet I have put on a few stones since.
I got very upset talking about this obsession today with my food and weight, yet the woman did not give me another appointment.
I live in Britian so even although the medical help is free, it seems to be limited as far as eating disorders go especially in my area. I'm just so mad that she didn't seem to acknowledge the effects this has on me psychologically and physically. Sorry for venting about this.
I have started DBT but don't really know what it involves completely. Does anyone have experience of DBT and can it help eating disorders?

[Zoelula]

I have never heard of DBT being used for eating disorders. It is an excellent program used for Borderline Personality Disorder; have you been diagnosed with that? For some people with BPD there is a strong tendency to eating disorders as well as other addictions, so if you are diagnosed with BPD it could help your eating disorder indirectly to get treatment for that.

What did the doctor you saw recommend? Nothing? What I would suggest is to seek out a therapist or community mental health center that has experience with eating disorders. I don't know much about the health care in Britain but it sounds like you already have some connection to the behavioral health organization. Are there Overeater's Anonymous meetings where you live? Look in the phonebook under Overeater's Anonymous or OA; it really helps!

[mcjay]

Hi,
Yeah, I have been diagnosed with BPD and that is why I've started DBT.
My doctor referred me to this Dietician that I seen today but as I said it didn't help at all. I'm just so angry as it took me forever to tell someone about the problems I'm having with my eating and I waited ages for the appointment then she just semme to ridicule it. It feels like there is no way out of this hell I'm in with my eating.
Thanks for posting, I will check out the local phone book for OA.

[Zoelula]

A dietician will not be of too much help if they are not specifically trained in eating disorders. The medical profession in general is not very knowledgeable about eating disorders though I'm sure there are exceptions. I would suggest rather a therapist who is experienced with ED and/or OA.

I understand that you are frustrated, but don't give up. Help is out there!

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

DBT is excellent for eating disorders.  There have been a number of studies showing the effectiveness of DBT for eating disorders.  At The Bella Vita eating disorder treatment programs we have been teaching DBT skills since 2001.  All modalities:  mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance (coping skills) and interpersonal effectiveness have been valuable.  DBT helps teach individuals to be in the present moment.  Being present immediately decreases unnecessary anxiety, calms and access inner wisdom making coping and relationships more effective.   To learn more about eating disorders visit the bella vita website.  Best, Dr Patricia Pitts  The Bella Vita Los Angeles and Woodland Hills, CA

[Zoelula]

I didn't realize that DBT was being used for eating disorders, Patricia. That makes a lot of sense.

I'm a bit confused about your role here. You are on a peer site but describe yourself as representing an eating disorder facility. You mention a website but don't post a link.  Are you an official MedHelp professional?

[Warped_Reflections]

I think she is legitimate because I googled "Bella Vita" and I found her website. It is a website for an eating disorder treatment facilty in California.

[Zoelula]

Hmmm...very odd to have a professional on a peer website. The way she keeps mentioning her facility/website sounds almost like spam.

[Warped_Reflections]

I think she is just promoting her treatment center although her center is kind of useless for people who dont live near California.

[Rach878]

Patricia is the eating disorders medhelp professional. I've spoken to her a few times. If you go on the doctors forum, you can personally ask her questions. She does ocassionaly check the peer section of this site though. And she works at Bella Vita.

Mcjay, finding help anywhere is hard. I live right outside Boston, and there is very limited help here as well. I too have a restriction form of bulimia. I was in a program last summer, and DBT and CBT were both used, there.

As far as your doctor goes, i'd make another appointment and tell her that you need help.. and if she won't give it to you, find another doctor.