In what may be a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, the Pittsburgh Public School district is being sued by a mother who claims her daughter developed anorexia as the result of bullying that went unchecked by school administrators.

The Associated Press reported the following details:

The girl was in a program for gifted students, made straights A's and was active in community and volunteer programs, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit contends a guidance counselor did nothing to stop the bullying. The next year, in seventh grade, two other boys joined in the daily harassment.

Lynn Grefe, CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association, argues that people who struggle with eating disorder often have issues with anxiety and perfectionism or are obsessive-compulsive. While bullying may be a trigger for these people, she told the AP, it is not likely to be the primary cause.

Labels: causes of eating disorders, bullying, lawsuit

Posted By: Aspen/CRC