I've been wondering why an eating disorder has become such a satisfying way for me to cope with abuse I've experienced. Because I think that's what it's really all about. Everything I've read about anorexia tells me that it is about distorted body image and wanting to be thin.........dying to be thin. That does not seem to be so in my case. I know pefectly well I am too thin......but for me starving myself has become like self-injurious behavior or even suicidal behavior. And I don't want to stop because it is comforting, and such a great distraction from the other pain in my life.

Does anyone else have this experience? Does this distinction even make a difference when diagnosing or treating an eating disorder?