Question and Answer
Why doesn't someone with an eating disorder just stop?
Eating disorders fall into a group of psychological disorders that may be called compulsive disorders, meaning that there are underlying issues that drive or compel sufferers to cope with the issue in a way that is most immediately relieving. Whether the intent is to find emotional comfort, achieve control of a chaotic situation, or gain power in an abusive relationship, the eating disordered person sees in their use of food a solution that is immediately within reach.
Indeed, eating (or not eating) may be the only mechanism these individuals have in order to survive the life-problem he or she faces. Very quickly, however, as with any compulsive behavior, the behavior begins to rule and control him or her. That the individual does not simply stop may be evidence of a deficit of coping skills or dysfunctional core personality traits.
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