Making a Differential Diagnosis

Julia is an 18 year old first year college student who is living on her own, away from parental supervision, for the first time. She is an accomplished student and athlete who has a full scholarship for track and field. Her continued scholarship depends on continued good performance times for her track meets. When her coach recommended that she lose a few pounds to enhance her performance time she found herself wanting to lose more weight and was unable to bring herself to stop her weight loss at a healthy weight. She became withdrawn and her mother decided it was best to get in contact with her coach to ensure that she received an evaluation. Eating disorders can be characterized by many factors, primarily including a continual disturbance of eating habits that result in health issues, both on a mental and physical level.