SIGN OF OUR TIMES by Rick Arnold It's a sad fact that a sign of our times is the frequency of eating disorders diagnosed in our youth -- a very serious illness if left untreated. One in ten (1 in 10) Americans, usually adolescents, die from various eating disorders, recognized by the National Institute of Mental Health. Nearly five percent of the population (figures from NIMH) suffer from *anorexia nervosa* and/or *bulimia nervosa*, with millions of others suffering from *binge eating*. The needless deaths of those with anorexia and bulimia, need not occur, if family members and friends would help by recognizing the problems and encourage the person to seek treatment. *Anorexia nervosa* is a disorder where a person intentionally starves themselves. The disorder, usually starts when the person reaches puberty, and involves extreme weight loss -- at least fifteen percent (15%) below an individual's normal body weight. This, in an effort to look and feel the way they believe is the "normal" appearance for a person in their peer group. Some suffering from anorexia will appear pale and emaciated but feel they are overweight, and need to lose more weight to be acceptable in appearance. This can lead to hospitalization in an effort to prevent starvation. Their weight -- in particular -- and food become obsessions. The person's compulsiveness is demonstrated by strange eating rituals or refusal to eat in front of others. Those with the disorder will often prepare extravagant gourmet meals for family and friends, however will rarely partake of the meals they have presented for the others. Often, they will have rigorous and excessive exercise routines. A disruption or loss of the monthly menstrual period is common for women with the disorder. Impotence often affects men who have anorexia. *Bulimia nervosa* is quite dangerous, because the person frequently uses an excessive amount of laxatives and/or diuretics, as the individual purges their intake of calories and liquids attempting to lose weight. A more drastic measure taken by these individuals is vomiting shortly after eating. Frequently individuals use all of these methods, and will not be detected because they maintain above or near normal body weight. Those with this disorder often binge excessively, then purge the their intake using one or all the methods mentioned, from once or twice a week to several times a day. Excessive dieting between episodes of binging and purging is quite common. Nearly half of those with anorexia will eventually develop bulimia. This condition typically begins in adolescent women, but also is found in men. Often the victims of this disorder will not seek help until in their thirties or forties, and the condition is more difficult to cure, due to the deeply ingrained habits developed over time. A similar disorder to bulimia is *binge eating*, however the person will not practice purging, and is usually overweight because of their compulsive indulging in over eating binges. People with this disorder usually have a history of extreme weight fluctuations. Two percent (2%) of the general population suffer from this ailment, and is predominantly found in women more so than men. Nearly thirty percent (30%) of people in supervised weight control programs suffer from binge eating. The following symptoms are common to these eating disorders: AN=Anorexia BN=Bulimia BE=Binge Eating AN, - Excessive weight loss in short period of time AN, - Continuation of dieting although extremely thin AN, - Dissatisfaction with appearance and weight, even if thin AN,BN, - Loss of monthly menstrual periods AN,BN, - Unusual interest in food, along with strange eating habits AN,BN,BE - Eating in secret AN,BN, - Obsession with exercise AN,BN,BE - Serious depression BN,BE - Binging -- consumption of large amounts of food BN, - Use of drugs for vomiting, bowel movements and urination BN, - Food binging with no noticeable weight gain BN, - Long periods of time spent in bathroom -- to induce vomiting BN, BE- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol The causes of eating disorders are complex and involve, personalities, environments, genetics, and biochemistry of each individual. Shared traits among those with eating disorders are: low self-esteem, feelings of help- lessness, and fear of becoming fat. Those with anorexia tend to be good students, excellent athletes, and *perfectionists*. They place a high priority on pleasing others -- over their own needs and wishes. To gain a sense of control in their lives, they restrict themselves to eating only certain types of foods and only in limited amounts. This need for control of their bodies serves a twofold purpose: fulfills the desire to please others by being thin, therefore appealing; and allows *THEM* to have control over someone -- even if it is themselves. Binge eaters (most often bulimic) release stress through eating large quantities of food -- especially junk food -- in their effort to rebel, and relieve anxiety; often in response to feeling dominated. The binging often brings on guilt and depression after the impulsive behavior; and the bulimic is more likely to engage in a risky life style of abuse for drugs and alcohol. Much of the cause for these eating disorders can be traced to an overly concerned parent, who wishes their child to be physically attractive and accepted by society. Parents or older siblings, who pursue activities such as dancing, athletics, or modeling, or professions where appearance is very important, often create an environment that causes an eating disorder to develop in the younger child(ren). What can you do to help? Often psychotherapy is needed -- depending on the severity of the disorder, and how late it is discovered. Treatment can save the life of one with an eating disorder. Family members and friends can contact local hospitals or medical centers to find out specific information about eating disorders, how to cope with them and how to provide support for the person who suffers from the illness. Even if the person obtains treatment, support and understanding from friends and family are needed to provide an environment conducive to wellness and recovery. The most helpful thing *YOU* can do, treat your children the way you would like to be treated. As a parent, there will be times when sitting at the supper table -- it is better to *bite* your tongue! `Spare the rod; spoil the child' -- has some merit; perhaps it should be: spare the lashing (tongue-lashing that is), and DO NOT denigrate your children. ADDITIONAL HELP: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) PO Box 7 Highland Park, IL 60035 Phone: (708) 831-3438 Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia 1 West 91st Street New York, NY 10024 Phone: (212) 595-3449 Bulimia Anorexia Self Help, Inc. (BASH) 6125 Clayton Avenue, Suite 215 St. Louis, MO 63139 Phone: (314) 567-4080 Copyright 1994 Rick Arnold ============================ # # # ================================