Stressful life events such as car accidents or a parent's death can mark the beginning of an eating disorder in young adults.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that 32 percent of young women and 20 percent of young men in their study who report three or more stressful life events also suffer from eating disorders. The study is the first phase of a three-part project from the University's Epidemiology and Community Heath division.

Katie Loth, lead author, hopes the study will raise awareness among parents and counselors who work with young people. "People are aware of these life events," she said, "but they are not always aware of how people are coping with them.

Labels: causes of eating disorders, stress, trauma

With the economy in turmoil, fewer people who struggle with eating disorders are getting the help they need. Some can't afford it, while others simply don't want to spend the money.

The danger of not seeking help for an eating disorder can be very serious because they can cause many medical complications, even death... Eating disorders often take a turn for the worse due to increased personal family stress. As eating disorders intensify, they become more difficult to treat.

If you or someone you know needs treatment for an eating disorder, don't assume treatment will be too expensive. There are many options. Research counselors and therapists, as well as both in- and out-patient programs. Source: PR Web

Labels: complications, stress, treatment

The stress of college is causing thousands of students - most of them female - to develop unhealthy eating patterns that could become eating disorders. Studies show that about one in five college students is bulimic, while about one in ten is anorexic - numbers that are dramatically higher than the general population.

"College is a time when many eating disorders can reappear or develop due to a variety of reasons. Some of them include fear of the 'freshman 15,' close living conditions where pressure to be thin is intensified, coping with more stress and living in a new environment, unlimited access to food in the dining hall, and sports, where they feel the need to be a certain weight to be successful."

Holly Grishkat, psychological director at the Renfrew Center, says that eating issues for many college students are not about weight, but about coping - with stress, loneliness or anxiety. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating habits, get help right away before the behavior becomes a life-threatening illness. Source: The Cabrini College Loquitur

Labels: causes of eating disorders, colleges, stress

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

Many of the events surrounding the Christmas season include food. While this isn't an issue for most people, those who struggle with eating disorders can feel especially stressed and even isolated at such events.

"'Ideally, family and friends should be sensitive to the fact that their guest or loved one has an eating disorder,' [Theresa] Fassihi said in a statement. 'Respect that, while the meal may be a joyous occasion for you, it may be stressful to a person with an eating disorder, especially one who has recently completed treatment."

If you know someone is recovering from - or still struggling with - an eating disorder, offer food but don't insist that he or she eat. Also, be sure not to hover or monitor what they do or don't eat.

Teens often deal with stress in unhealthy ways like cutting or using drugs. A good adolescent residential treatment center, like Youth Care, can help teenagers get the help they need.

Labels: holidays, stress, support