Researchers at the Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders are studying a baffling eating disorder called "sleep-eating." Much like sleep-walking, sleep-eating sufferers are alert enough to respond to questions but are not aware that they binge-eat while asleep.

"During testing, researchers found one woman munching on brownies in her sleep. After each bite, she used her pinky to shove any remaining bits in her mouth... Another woman captured on tape gulped a soda after eating in her sleep."

Sleep experts believe sleep-eating is caused by a problem with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls "basic behaviors." Read more at NewsNet5.com.

Labels: binge_eating, brain_chemistry, sleep

The reasons someone develops an eating disorder are varied and complicated. The myth that anorexia or bulimia is a "choice" is just that - a myth. It's vital for someone with an eating disorder to get treatment as quickly as possible, but choosing a treatment can be tough; it seems there are as many treatment options as causes for eating disorders.

"To be most effective, treatment for an eating disorder must address both the physical and psychological aspects of the problem. The goal is to treat any medical or nutritional needs, promote a healthy relationship with food, and teach constructive ways to cope with life and its challenges."

Psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups are different facets of treatment that can all work together. Residential treatment also is a viable treatment option as it gets the person out of her normal environment and into a place where new habits can be formed. Read more at AmericanChronicle.com.

Labels: causes of eating disorders, treatment

The past 20 years has seen an unexplained hike in juvenile diabetes. Most teens are careful to manage their diabetes well, take insulin shots and watch their sugar intake. Some, however, have discovered a dangerous way of losing weight - by skipping or reducing their insulin doses.

"'It's extremely dangerous. I just had to admit one girl to emergency,' [Louis] Geoffroy added. 'When a child is losing weight rapidly, that's a clear indication. But some are borderline and we can't tell them apart from those who have poor control over their diabetes.'"

Dieting is considered the strongest predictor of eating disorder development. Teens with diabetes are at greater risk because they must, in order to regulate their condition, constantly calculate the nutritional value of their meals. Read more at Canada.com.

Labels: death, diabetes, medications

Poor body image is one of the leading contributors to the development of eating disorders. Most medical and mental health experts agree that if a girl can develop a healthy, positive body image, she's far less likely to struggle with disordered eating.

"Try these easy tips so you can start feeling more self-assured today. 1. Lose your obsession with the numbers. Keep track of improvement beyond losing weight, advises Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D., professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle. Says Schwartz: 'Zero in on how strong you feel. It will help you gain an appreciation for what your body can do.'"

Other tips include "spend time outdoors" and "help others in need". These simple steps can help someone start feeling better and develop a more health sense of self. Read more at Shape.com.

Labels: body_image, positive_messages, self-esteem

London's Fashion Week will again feature size zero models. But it won't be just the women who are super-skinny. The newest trend among male models is now "size zero" as well, and it has the medical community and eating disorder charities concerned.

"A spokeswoman from the charity Beat said: 'There does seem to be a growing trend towards men's clothes being designed for the slimmer male physique, and we're certainly aware of more men with eating disorders.'"

Though the trend started a few years ago, it's been gaining popularity, which is why so many in the medical community are concerned. Read more at NZHerald.com.

BoardingSchoolsInfo has a complete list of private boarding schools for boys and girls.

Labels: fashion, men, modeling

Results of a new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University have found that the DSM-IV criteria for eating disorders are not sufficient for accurate diagnoses. DSM stands for "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders". It is meant to offer a broad-based outline of diagnostic criteria for the medical community.

"Researchers noted that in treatment center programs for eating disorders more than half of the patients are diagnosed with an eating disorder 'not otherwise specified' (NOS)... 'The NOS category of the DSM-IV was intended to be a residual category of diagnosis... for relatively infrequent cases... '"

The fact that so many patients are being diagnosed with an eating disorder "not otherwise specified" indicates that eating disorder classifications in the DSM-IV are not broad enough. Read more at Huliq.com.

Have a teenager who has been difficult to diagnosis? The Aspen Institute specializes in providing a comphrehensive disagnotic picture of even the most troubled teen, and then offering a complete treatment plan.

Labels: awareness, diagnosis, treatment

A fashion show at the Liverpool Community Church in New York has re-defined "beauty" for both participants and spectators alike. Models of various shapes and sizes took the spotlight in this event, hosted by Ophelia's Place – an organization dedicated to helping people with eating disorders.

"'Whether you're full sized, whether you're medium sized, all of us have an incredible part of who we are that's very, very beautiful,' said Fashion Model Emme. Fashion Model Emme has always accepted her plus size figure... she's made a successful career out of it."

Mary Ellen Clausen, Founder and Director of Ophelia's Place, is concerned with the images and messages that dominate the media. She hopes to counteract some of those messages by giving girls the opportunity to be around a "plus size" model like Emme. Read more at 9WSYR.com.

Labels: fashion, modeling, perceptions

Researchers in Europe have identified five factors that appear to be key predictors of whether someone who's been hospitalized for an eating disorder will have to be rehospitalized during the course of his or her treatment.

"Many individuals with anorexia nervosa require repeated in-patient treatment, and there is evidence that shorter hospital stays and poor weight gain upon leaving the hospital could help drive the need for readmission, Dr. Hans-Christoph Steinhausen of the University of Zurich in Switzerland and colleagues note."

Other indicators included: family history of anorexia, having an alcoholic father, and disordered eating during infancy. Read more at NLM.NIH.gov.

A private boarding school that offers counseling and therapy may be able to help, Visit BoardingSchoolsInfo.com for a list of the best boarding schools for children with emotional problems.

Labels: genes, predictors, prevention

The Center for Young Women's Health, part of the Children's Hospital in Boston has created a website that includes a general guide on eating disorders aimed at teenagers. The guide breaks down the symptoms of anorexia and other disorders into easy-to-understand language and offers "next steps" for a teen who thinks she or a friend may have an eating disorder.

"If you think that you may have an eating disorder, it is very important that you talk to your health care provider immediately! If you are too nervous or scared to contact your health care provider on your own, try talking to an adult who is someone you trust like a parent, teacher, relative, or family friend."

The guide also helps teens understand how eating disorders are treated and what to expect if they or someone they knows is treated for an eating disorder. Read more at YoungWomensHealth.org

As someone dealing with an eating disorder needs treatment sooner than later, teens who are doing drugs or binge drinking also need immediate help. Unfortunately, parents often wait thinking their teen's risky behaviors will simply go away. Learn more about why you shouldn't wait to get your teen help.

Labels: awareness, health_care, support

The British Fashion Council has been criticized for the slow pace with which it has implemented recommendations made by the Model Health Inquiry.

Only four out of 14 recommendations from the Kingsmill Inquiry have been put into practice and doubts are now being expressed about just how committed the fashion industry is to improving the health of models, amid concerns over those suffering from eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia."

Model Tarryn Meaker, who began modeling when she was 16, says that she hears a lot of talk in the industry, but doesn't see much real change happening. Read more at NZHerald.co.nz.

A good residential treatment center for teens, like Youth Care in Utah, can help teenagers by offering a structured therapeutic environment with accredited academics.

Labels: fashion, influences, modeling

Researchers at the University of California in San Diego are hoping to design better treatments for families of teens with anorexia and other eating disorders.

Dr. Walter Kaye, professor of psychiatry, and his colleagues are recruiting 240 families with teens who suffer from eating disorders. The families will be divided into two groups. One group will receive family therapy, based on the theory that the child developed the disorder because of patterns of family interactions. The other group will work under the Maudsley theory that the family needs no psychological treatment, but parents do need to be taught how to help their child develop healthy eating habits.

"We may find different approaches work better for patients with a particular profile," Dr. Kaye said.

Anorexia affects about one in every 200 adolescents and has the highest death rate of any psychiatric disorder.

Adolescent treatment centers, like the Aspen Institute, can help diagnosis teens with emotional and behavioral issues and then, more importantly, create a treatment plan. Visit AspenAssessment.com for more information.

Labels: healthy_eating, therapy, treatment

Most teens find reading news online to be stressful reminder of the dangers their world is facing, according to a new study from Northwestern University. Researchers also found that most teens get their news online, but do not enjoy reading it. Social networks, YouTube, and music downloading websites are favorites of teens.

Labels: hope, stress