Ask Dr. Rader

Additionally, Dr. Rader will select certain questions and will publish those along with his responses at this page on a regular basis. Your name will not be listed on this page should your question be used. Dr. Rader looks forward to hearing from you.
 

Q: I am very hesitant to even e-mail, as I have been hiding for so long. I am married with 4 children.I have had bulimia since I was 15.I am now 37. Still fighting it . and no one knows but me, myself, and I. This is a big step for me to take. even telling somebody, and admitting that I have a problem.I'm afraid for myself, for my children, and my husband.Of course, I think heavily about what people in my community think of me too. It all scares me to think what will happen when this 'can of worms' is opened. That's what stops me. yet I don't think I can live like this anymore. As I read some of your letters.I truly fit into the category of the person who wants to control the eating-bingeing cycle. yet convince myself that I am ready to give up that feeling of being able to eat anything, without gaining weight.. I hear it all the time from my sisters.family.kids. about how I can seem to eat and never gain weight.if they only knew. It is a vicious cycle, one that I am tired of.tired of because I now have teeth that are rotting out. headaches.blurred vision.some depression .more frequently now. BUT.I always put on a happy face when I go out. I'm just tired of it and don't know what to do anymore. I know I need help. there is always the $ issues. That's the biggest reason I won't tell my husband, anyone for that matter. Thank you for letting me air this. You have been the only person I have ever let this out to. And that tells me I'm getting closer to wanting, actually WANTING to find some help. I have concerns about how it will affect my children. That is probably what is pushing me towards help. My conscience. I didn't think I had one anymore...I thought it went down the toilet with everything else. I guess I don't actually know how to open this can of "worms" to my family. Even my family doctor.... who has delivered all my children and everything, I've hidden it from. My parents have no idea, nor any family members. You become a master at hiding what you want hidden. I no longer want to be that master I think. Only you know this..please...advice? Anything would help. Thank you for having an e-mail available for people like me.

A: You did just take a big step by admitting you need help. Bulimia is a disease that has devastating consequences not only for the individual but also for the people involved in their life.But because it is a disease, you need professional support.If you had a kidney disorder you would not blame yourself or try and treat the disorder yourself.You need to give yourself the same break with your eating disorder.I am sure if you entrust your family with the knowledge of what is going on with your bulimia, they will be there for you.If one of your children was suffering from an eating disorder you would want to know and you would do everything to help them.Your family will want the privilege of being able to do the same thing for you.

Q: I am a 29 year-old mother of two beautiful kids. I have a loving hubby and just moved into the home of my dreams. I couldn't ask for a better job or a better life, so why am I going through this again. I began Bulimia when I was 15. The binging and purging lasted for about five years. I don't do my "routine" any more, but I am now finding myself with the same feelings of inadequacy and need to satisfy my depressed mood with as much food as possible. I have to consciensiously think about not purging, but now that isn't working. What is funny is that it feels like I am punishing myself with the food I choose. I eat chocolate even though I get migraines from it. I eat fattening food even though I know I don't want it and it will make me unhappy. My thoughts are also affecting my productivity in family and work. Why would I be going through this when I have a "perfect life?" Why do I want to punish myself for not living up to my "perfect life" expectations? I take it I need help, but I don't know if I am really as needy as others, or if I'm just "seeking attention." Have you seen "me" before in your diagnostics? What do you suggest? Have you heard of any clinics in Utah?

A: Yes, what you are going through is normal. Many eating disorderd individuals say they feel like a "fraud" and feel trhey are undeserving of their life. They often use food and purgfing as a means of punishing themselves for not being what they consider worthy of what has been given to them. We can help you if you want the help.

Q: I am a freshman in college and one of my roommates has anorexia. She has told all of us (I have five roommates) and she sees a therapist. The problem is that she completely admits that she has an eating disorder. This wouldn't seem like a problem except that it makes it very hard to help her. When we tell her she needs to eat more, she says that she knows she does, but then she does very little about it. Her doctor and mother will take her out of school in December if she loses any more weight. We suggested getting food that she really likes for the room, but she says that she can't even get to the point where she can decide if she's hungry or not. Food just doesn't appeal to her. She's not the kind of person who belongs in a hospital being forced to eat and share her feelings, but she needs some help or else that's where she'll end up. I think that we are the ones most able to help her outside of her therapist, whom she's thinking of leaving because now she's "mean." What can we do to help her?

A: I am sure it is difficult watching someone you care about suffer from an eating disorder. Anorexia is a serious disorder with 10 percent of those suffering eventually dying from the disorder. You are doing the right thing by seeking support. Although your roommate says she knows she has an eating disorder, there is a big difference between knowing you have an eating disorder and being willing to do what it takes to recover. It is admirable that you are trying to facilitate her weight gain by bying foods she likes, but anorexia is not really about eating or gaining weight, but rather about the underlying pain and dysfunction in her life. It is often helpful to look at an eating disorder as a survival mechanism that gives the person a false sense of control over their seemingly uncontrolable life. It has been my experience that professional inpatient treatment is what can make the difference in helping the individual recover. At Rader Programs, we do not force the individual to eat, but rather help them see that their eating disorder is really not giving them what they want in life. Through this process, the individual learns new coping skills and is able, with support, to eat healthy again.

Q: Why should my wife come to your clinic over the many clinics available. I have talked to several and I do not have a good litmus test to say she should go here or there. Her primary issues are depression and binge eating. Please help give me some criteria by which to judge different facilities.

A: The most important thing is that you are getting your wife treatment and for that I commend you. You would be surprised by how often family members are not supportive of treatment. If I were seeking treatment for a family member who was suffering from depression and binge eating, I would look for the following in a treatment center:

1. Treatment center dedicated exclusively to treating eating disorders, and not just a track in an existing center or hospital.
2. Around-the-clock Registered Nurses because of the possible serious physical consequensces of an existing disorder.
3. Treatment center that knows and treats all three eating disorders; Anorexia, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder, due to the fact that many patients bounce between the disorders.
4. Full-time registered Dietitian.
5. Psychiatrist that specializes in eating disorders.
6. Family Program
7. Exercise Program
8. Non-behavorial program, one that does not use punishment and rewards.
9. Use of support groups such as CA and ANAD.
10. Group therapy.
11. Internists.
12. Use of staff members who have solid recovery from eating disorders themselves.
13. Warmth of the staff members.
14. Amount of time staff has treated eating disorders.
15. Treatment where resources are spent on treatment, as opposed to unrelated items such as horses.
16. Complete and full client schedule with groups focused on key issues related to eating disorders, such as body image, sexuality, nutrition, and family.

Comments: First of all, I would like to say it's a pleasure to e-mail you. I am writing to you to "share my story." My older sister, Betsy, died from a cardiac arrest as a result of complications from Bulimia 13 years ago. She was 25. Since her death, my parents and I have read everything we could about her eating disorder and have also taken a "real" look at our family. I did some volunteer work at Rader. I have learned so much about co-dependency, family history, addictive behaviors, etc., since Betsy's death. I have shared her story with groups of college-aged women, given my testimony, helped with an intervention, shared with women who are dealing with an eating disorder one-on-one, and many other things. I am employed at a university in NC as the Alumni Director. I feel like her story is one of great value and I know it has reached some of the people I have shared it with. I know your programs you have in place are positive ones. I wanted to write and say I would be willing to volunteer, speak and encourage others at any of your facilities if it would be of assistance. Thank you for the work you are doing in helping those who suffer from eating disorders...you are appreciated.

Q: I am 21 years old and have had a problem with Bulimia since I was about 13 years old. I thought I was over it for a while, but I always seem to come back to my eating disorders. The reason I am writing is because I am worried about my ability to have children. I am wondering if Bulimia has any affect on the ability to have children. Please let me know of any medical problems that could occur during pregnancy due to Bulimia.

A: Eating disorders are serious disorders that do have physical side effects. OBGYN's have documented significant fertility problems in individuals suffering from eating disorders. In addition, practicing an eating disorder while pregnant can have serious consequences for the unborn child. Also, parents with eating disorders are likely to pass on their eating disordered behavior to their children. If you are pregnant or thinking about having children, you should seek help for your eating disorders.

Q: I am a 21 year-old woman and I have had a weight problem since I was about 12. It started once I hit puberty. I find myself constantly in the refrigerator and around food. I work in a deli so I am around food all day long. I eat while I am at work, when I am sad, mad, and even bored. Food seems to be my answer to all my problems. I eat when I am not even hungry. I have a friend who is 32 years old and she too does the same thing. We both have tried all different diets and have tried to cut out snacking and junk food. The more we try, the more we seem to eat what we shouldn't be eating. We have no self-discipline and we need help. If there is some advice or something that you could do for us, please respond as soon as possible. My friend does not have a computer of her own so we are writing together. Please help us. We are desperate and in need of help. Thank you for your time.

A: I am encouraged to hear that the two of you are looking for help. Although it is not possible to diagnose an eating disorder through e-mail, the behaviors you are describing are those of a compulsive overeater. Food can be used as a substance to deal with unwanted feelings. Some individuals describe their binge behavior as their survival mechanism to deal with their life. They no longer use food to nourish their bodies and often eat when they are not even hungry. Admitting you have a problem and seeking help are the first and hardest steps. No diet will work, but emotional support and exploration is the key to overcoming compulsive overeating.

Comments: I was a patient eleven years ago. I just discovered your website and would love to hear from any of the other girls who were there, or the staff. I am now happily pursuing a master's degree in opera performance. I am free from food and weight obsession and leading that "normal" life that I always wanted. Please send a special hello to David Kirk, if you are still in contact with him.

Comments: Today, I found myself hunting down your homepage... remembering 2 1/2 years ago desperately searching for answers, and thankfully finding you. I am 27 years old and living binge and purge free. I have the Rader programs to thank for much of my new life, for that is what you helped me find. A life. I was bulimic for close to 13 years of my life. I never dreamt that I would find a man that could love a less than perfect looking me, and never in a million years did I think I could ever go through the experience of having a child... a son who is 8 months old as of yesterday. The Rader staff is unquestionably the most caring, and nonjudgmental group of angels I've run across and in my heart are so very missed I say with a smile). I hope that more can find, that while recovery is a day by day challenge, and we slip, but we don't have to fall, it can offer a life outside the compulsion. I'm grateful to Rader, and all the Raderettes (patients I went through the program with) for support and guidance down a brighter path. On a personal note, please tell Lisa that I am so proud to have known her and watch her vision of helping others continue through her work at Rader and her website. Let Liza know that Ed (Edward, not E.D eating disorder) and I are happy with our new son Adam. Hello to Shari and the little one that she was expecting while I was there. Hello to Kathy, who knew how to take vitals without even waking me up and keeping me company outside hahaha. Hello to Trina, who could make snack/closer more fun than it probably should have been at times. And of course a hello for marlise and her wonderful gift of hugs, and Yvonne, Morley, John, and I can't forget "Nurse Ratchet" Debbie......... always a smile waiting for us when it was time for meds and when we'd belly up to her desk for a shot of metamucil. You will all be forever in my heart when I remember that time in my life. Thank You all again, and God bless from Fargo ND.
Love, Mary

Response: Thanks so much for your email. It means a lot to hear you are doing so well. Congratulations on your recovery. I will pass on your well wishes to the staff.

Q: I am 33 years old. I was first hospitalized for my eating disorder at the age of 14. I did great for 10 years. Even though I never made my Ideal body weight I maintained 79-80% of my body weight and followed my meal plan. Then I was diagnosed with Lupus, gained 100 pounds in a little over a year because of medications and ED came back stronger then ever. In the last 5 years I have been inpatient at a local ED program 4 times. Each time I was sicker than before. When I was admitted to the EDU after spending 5 days in ICU in March. I almost died. I'm scared and feel like l am not getting better. I keep all of my outpatient appointments but I'm back to restricting, purging and I just bought more laxatives. I feel so helpless. This time the doctors said I would die before I looked anorexic because of my lupus and diabetes. (I kept telling myself that it can't be that bad because I am not underweight.) I don't want to die. I have a 7-year-old daughter who really deserves a healthy mommy. I am a nurse and feel like I should know better. I have gotten my blood sugar to stay below 50. If it is below this magical number then it is ok to eat and not purge. None of this makes sense to me. I need to know what to do. I am so tired of all of this. I either want to get better or die. I feel like there isn't any room for anything in between any more.

A: I am glad you haven't given up and are still reaching out for help. Eating disorders are serious disorders and just because you have not received recovery yet does not mean that recovery is not going to take hold for you. Sometimes a change in venue of treatment will be effective as different treatment programs work differently for each individual. For example our program is highly structured but we do not use punishment or rewards nor is our program locked. Each client is an integral part of the treatment team and helps guide the path of their treatment. This type of program works well for individuals who want a change in their life but would not be as effective for someone who is refusing treatment. Because of your medical complications, it would also be important to have the medical and nursing supervision of a hospital as opposed to a residential house. Just because you are not underweight does not mean you do not have a serious eating disorder. The lack of weight or even excess weight is just a symptom of the underlying disorder. I am concerned about what you are doing with your insulin as it is dangerous and unfortunately is a form of purging for diabetics that has become more prevalent recently. I know you feel overwhelmed and maybe even guilty right now, but hang in there and keep reaching out for help. Eating disorders are diseases and just as you would not blame someone for having a disease like leukemia, you have no blame in the disorder. If your daughter had the disorder you would not give up until she got recovery and I am sure she wants the same for you. You can talk to one of our assessment counselors confidentially at 800-841-1515

Q: Hi, I have a really good friend who I think has Anorexia Nervosa. She fits all the things it says in the little paragraph about it. But the thing is that she doesn't want anyone involved with this but me and I was wondering what I could do to help her. She also doesn't want her family in this at all.

A: I am encouraged you are trying to help your friend. You need to understand that eating disorders are serious diseases that without intervention can turn deadly. To overcome an eating disorder usually requires professional support. Trying to help her on your own would be analogous to conducting surgery on her without any formal training. The best you can do for her is to encourage her to seek professional support. We have a page on our web site at www.raderprograms.com called Family and Friends that can guide you in this conversation.

Q: I am currently struggling with the fact I might have some sort of eating disorder. First let me tell you my statistics. I am 24 years old, 5'5, and 123 pounds. I don't feel as though I have a distorted body image. I realize I am not overweight or obese. Nor do I vomit or starve myself. So I don't believe I have the "typical" behaviors associated with eating disorders. This is my problem. I am obsessed and I mean literally obsessed with food, my body image and how I look. I weigh myself up to 6 times a day and probably would weigh myself more if I didn't work from 8-5 everyday. I read the nutritional ingredients on every single thing I eat and if they don't have the nutrition facts, I'll either call the 1-800 number they provide on the package or I won't eat it. Every time I lose more weight, I want to lose more. I have this notion that for some reason when I get down to my ideal weight (115 lbs), I will be a complete and fulfilled person. I know it sounds crazy but I can't get it out of my head. Another thing I have started to do with my food is that a lot of times I just like the taste of food so I will put a small piece of it in my mouth, chew on it for a little while and then spit it out in the garbage. I find myself doing this frequently. Also I will spray part of my dinner with perfume so I won't be tempted to eat it. This is driving me crazy! My every waking thought is what will my next meal consists of, how much will the scale say I weigh; do look fat in these jeans? Please advise. Thanks!

A: Although it is not possible to diagnosis an eating disorder through an e-mail, what you describe is eating disordered behavior. It does not matter whether you are at ideal weight, underweight or overweight, if your relationship with food is causing dysfunction in your life you may have an eating disorder. The obsession with weighing and reading labels for content and calories is common among eating disordered individuals. This obsession can give a false sense of controlling something that you may feel is uncontrollable. Often eating disordered individuals talk about that if they did not participate in these ritualistic behaviors they would not be able to stop eating and their weight would get out of control. In terms of chewing food that you enjoy and then spitting it out, this behavior is referred to as "chew-spitting" and is another form of purging that is common among bulimics. I know you believe, as you wrote in your e-mail, that if you achieve your ideal weight of 115 pounds you will be "complete and fulfilled as a person," but I am sure that you are so much more than what you weigh. Think about the people you admire. I am sure you admire these people for who they are and what they have given you or society and not for what their weight is. Freedom from the obsessions and pain you are experiencing is possible with help from professionals. If you would like to talk to someone confidentially about what is going on with your life, you can reach one of our counselors at 800-841-1515 .

Q: I am extremely obese (weight 360, height 6') and I am a compulsive overeater. I am 38, live with my life partner of 15 years, and seemingly have a wonderful life. Yet, I feel trapped and unable to make a change. I've been wondering if inpatient programs are effective for people who are not bulimic or anorexic. I honestly don't feel like I can make a change on my own. The thought of starting another diet just makes me cry. I wonder if my issues are very different than anorexics and bulimics since it seems like they spend a lot of time on CONTROL and I basically have just given up any kind of control at all. I just don't know where to start researching different inpatient programs and of course I suspect that cost is prohibitive. However, I really don't want to eat myself to death and I don't want surgical intervention. What do you suggest? Thank you.

A: I am glad you are seeking help for your eating disorder. Compuslive eating or Binge eating disorder is just as serious a disorder as Anorexia or Bulimia. An Anorexic may not eat to cope, a Bulimic may binge and purge to cope, and a Compulsive overeater may binge to cope. What they all have in common is they are using food to cope with their lives. You write about your loss of control as a Compulsive overeater and I can tell you that Anorexics and Bulimics feel the same way. You are correct in that another diet will not work. If you just go on a diet, you will be treating the symptom and not its underlying cause. Just as if you were to treat someone's high temperature from a flu by putting them in a cold bath, you would bring down their temperature but not address their flu. Even if you were to lose the weight, as many Compulsive overeaters do, the weight would most likely come back, and the underlying eating disorder would never have been addressed. The same refractory gain of weight happens for individuals who go to the extreme of surgical intervention that you mentioned. We have had many individuals come to our program who have burst their stomach staples or have had severe medical complications with their gastric bubble. Rader Programs has a history of success and an extremely effective program for Compulsive overeaters. If what you are seeking is life-long recovery from your eating disorder and are willing to put in the work, we can help you achieve your goal.

Comments: I want to thank you, Dr. Rader, for what you have done for so many people. My roommate and I just admitted our other roommate, Robin, into your program. She has been anorexic for fourteen years. Yesterday was her birthday, and we told her she had two choices: go to your Institute if she wanted to survive, or go home to die. It was tough love, but it was the only thing that was going to save her. No one else would do it. She wanted the help. It has been so difficult living with someone with this disease. I don't understand it. I found your website and contacted the Institute through general e-mail. Debbie Hughes in California called me back immediately and we went from there. She helped me get Robin admitted, cleared her insurance, and instructed how to talk to her about what is about to happen. Debbie was so wonderful. She talked to Robin as well and answered all of her questions in a caring manner. Robin isn't used to getting help like this. Her family gave up on her years ago. As many times as Connie and I have called her parents for intervention, they were just too busy to deal with her. So sad. Connie and I were on our own. We bought the plane ticket for Robin and she was off exactly 24 hours after I found your website. What a wonderful thing. I am so happy that she is getting help at a place I trust. Debbie helped me with that trust. I commend you on your program and I can be nothing but grateful that you exist to help lives like Robin. Thank you, Dr. Rader, thank you.

Q: I am a compulsive overeater, and will be visiting again with my therapist about my issues. I am not on Prozac anymore, and now I see that for me, the antidepressant helped perpetuate the "happy all the time" persona that keeps me from feeling anything too much. I won't deny that it sure helps get a person out of bed and functioning, but do you hear this complaint from any other patients? I now feel I am in a realistic frame of mind, and I am disgusted with my body, but do you think that since compulsive overeaters eat to numb themselves, the Prozac is doing the same thing? I'm trying to learn to express anger and pain, which I could blow off on the Prozac. My psychiatrist confirms that I'm not depressed. Any thoughts on this?

A: It would be hard and inappropriate for me to state whether you should be on or off Prozac, based on reading an e-mail. I will state that many of our patients do feel that they must learn to deal with their emotions and life situations without the use of medications once their depression has lifted. Some patients talk about the medicaions as if the medication is masking the depression and to seek full recovery they must learn how to deal with life without the medication. For others, without the medications they feel lost and do not have the capabilities to address their disorder. I hope this is helpful and good luck in your journey in recovery. The fact that you are questioning and challenging yourself, tells me you are going to achieve your goals.

Q: Please tell me all you can about exercise bulimia. I know that it is something that is not often diagnosed, but I believe that someone in my family suffers from it. Any information that you could give me would be much appreciated.

A: Exercise bulimia is similar to other forms of bulimia, except the individual uses exercise as the predominant method of purging. Sometimes the individual believes that what they are doing is OK, because they believe exercise is healthy. But in reality, they are ignoring the psychological and even physiological toll practicing exercise bulimia can bring. The obsessive pursuit of the ideal body can cause severe dysfunction emotionally for the individual, where the individual becomes distraught if an exercise session is missed. These individuals will often also exercise during an injury, causing themselves further physical damage. Body image issues, binging and food issues also usually accompany the disorder. If you or your family member would like to talk to someone confidentially about the disorder, you can reach one of our counselors at 800-841-1515 .

Q: I appreciate your speedy reply to my question in regard to an effective outpatient treatment program for anorexia. I'm curious to know what is an effective inpatient program that can last when a person is discharged. I know many people besides me who have been through the in and outpatient cycle, and I wonder if there is a way to stay out of this cycle. Is there a quality you've seen in people who don't go through this repetitious process that the rest of us could learn from? Can you describe a more efficient system for recovery? Thanks, again, for your time.

A: You ask a very good but difficult question to answer. If I could summarize the answer into one statement, I would state that the difference between those who begin recovery immediately and those who need repeated attempts is that the former are truly willing and ready to give up their eating disorder behavior. This may seem like a simple statement but many eating disordered individuals approach treatment from the perspective of just wanting to control the eating disorder and are not willing to give up the eating disorders behaviors. A good inpatient program addresses this core issue and helps the individual gain skills to move beyond the dysfunctional lifestyle.

Q: What can we do to prevent eating disorders in our children?

A: Be a good role model. Your children will have enough pressure from the media and from their friends to obtain an unrealistic body weight. Try not to express dissatisfaction with your own body and weight in front of your children. Studies have shown that parents who display dissatisfaction with their bodies are more likely to have children with body image disturbances of their own.

Q: I am 16 years old and am right now recovering from bulimia. I have gained weight from the binges and I was not able to purge everything. Now I want to start eating healthy. But I realized that when I get extremely hungry, I binge. So I need some advice on a healthy eating program. And I also want to know how long I should exercise and how often.

A: It is great to hear from someone who is starting in his or her recovery from an eating disorder. You need to keep in mind that recovery is an ongoing progress and that you will have good days and some difficult days. You may want to invest in a session with a Registered Dietitian to help set up a meal plan for you that fits with your path of recovery. In terms of exercise, I think you are smart to think about how exercise fits into the recovery process. Many eating disordered individuals get caught in using exercise as a means of purging, while others ignore this important aspect of a healthy lifestyle altogether. We recommend incorporating exercise that can be utilized to increase cardiovascular endurance and yet at the same time does not lead itself to abuse. Walking two and a half miles five days a week is just such an activity.

Q: I have a co-worker that eats large quantities of food, and later goes into the Women's room and throws up. I am worried about her health. What do I do? I am worried - lately her complexion looks awful!

A: Since eating disorders can be viewed as a survival mechanism, your co-workers binge/purge cycle may be an expression of something that your co-worker has found no other way of expressing. As a friend you can help her by empathetically listening and finding out her perspective of the situation. Try listening to her in a nonjudgmental way. Because of the seriousness of having an eating disorder you may want to recommend professional support. Tell her about our web site or give her information about free support groups such as Overeaters Anonymous (OA) and the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). Information about both groups can be found through the links on our web site. Your co-worker is lucky to have a friend like you in her life.

Q: Hello, I am a 21-year-old college student. I started to struggle with anorexia at about 16, which turned into bulimia, and the frequency and intensity of my bingeing and purging has gradually increased and now seems to be completely out of my control. I am only a bit over my normal body weight, so it doesn't look like I am sick at all, but it is taking so much effort just to relate to people and concentrate on classes and I just want to retreat into my apartment and binge for some reason.I just started weekly therapy with an eating disorders therapist, and I even withdrew from classes to concentrate fully on recovery, but I'm finding it far too easy to procrastinate and keep the cycle going... I feel like I need full surveillance or something so that I can be away from the behavioral patterns of the disorder and deal with the underlying causes. Although I do have some physical symptoms appearing, like chest cramps and pain in digestion, I don't think my physical condition would qualify for inpatient treatment because it's not like I'm on my deathbed. I want to be part of the most effective therapy possible. What would you recommend?

A: I am encouraged you are considering seeking a more intensive approach.Unfortunately eating disorders are progressive diseases that although you may not be in physical trouble today, the disorder left untreated could turn life-threatening.You do not need to be physically compromised to warrant and benefit from intensive treatment. To overcome an eating disorder requires that the emotional, physical, nutritional, exercise, family and social components of the disorder be addressed. As you stated this is very difficult to accomplish on an outpatient only basis with the daily stressors present and the physical ques calling. Recovery usually requires the intervention from an experienced multidisciplinary treatment team. Give us a call at 800-841-1515 where you can speak confidentially to one of our counselors about what is going on. Your therapist is welcome to call as well.

Comments: I am a former Rader patient. I just happened to be roaming the internet and decided to check out your website to see what was going on. I see that Liza Eversole is on your staff. Please let her know that her former patient said hello. I would love to hear form her. Thanks to Liza and Rader, I am alive, well, married, and preparing for a family. Something I did not think was ever possible. Four years ago, April 12, I entered your treatment program.

Response: One of the great rewards of our program is to be able hear how well many of you are doing. Even when the road is difficult, in the long run, you may find that the healthy life that you sought is achievable. Keep up the good work.