One of the major issues is the keeping secret of the eating disorder. Often the person with the eating disorder is ashamed of his or her behavior. This can lead to hiding binging, purging or consuming very little food.

The partner at first may notice an emotional distance, and wonder about various problems that could be occurring in the relationship. It may take time to notice the problem. Once the problem is noticed the partner may have a difficult time dealing with the issue and pressure the other to resolve the problem.

How Eating Disorders Affect Couples

Couples with eating disorders may have difficulties because the non eating disordered partner may lack the understanding of the type of eating disorder his/her significant other has. They may begin to pressure their partner to eat or loose weight depending on the problem.

When one partner pressures the other, the result is usually the opposite of the desired response. Most people were told what to do as children and do not respond well to this as adults. The response for an anorectic person may be to eat less and the response of a bulimic or binge eater may be to eat more.

The following are some common problems in couples where someone has an eating disorder:

• To feel in control, couples with eating disorders may get into power struggles over the person seeking treatment. .
• The eating disordered partner may feel pressure as the non-eating disordered partner becomes concerned about their health
• The non-eating disordered partner may be conflicted as he or she becomes less attracted to their partner.
• When the couple tries to discuss the issue, they may each feel misunderstood.

How Couples Counseling Can Help

Eating Ddisorders can often have a mood disorder that goes alongside this already difficult problem. Depression, anxiety, and/or substance abuse are possibilities. This can effect many areas of life including intimacy and sexuality. Couples counseling can help to address all of these issues and keep the relationship focused on issues that strengthen its.