Eating Disorders
Summary:
Mental health specialists consider eating disorders to be among the most serious of mental health problems. Tune in as host Jackie Wolf and guest Sarah Erickson discuss overcoming a struggle with anorexia nervosa.
Host:
Jackie Wolf is Associate Professor of the History of Medicine in the Department of Social Medicine at Ohio University.
Guest:
Sarah Erickson
Ohio University student who overcame her struggle with anorexia nervosa
Interesting Facts from the Show:
An eating disorder is present when a person experiences severe disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape.
- National Institute of Mental Health
There is no single cause of eating disorders. Many factors play a role in their development:
- culture
- families
- life changes or stressful events
- personality traits
- biology
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
If you fear a friend suffers from an eating disorder:
- set a time to talk- discuss your concerns with your friend
- urge your friend to talk to a professional
- avoid conflicts with your friend- don't place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend
- don't offer simple solutions
- let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Treating eating disorders involves three components:
- restoring the person to a healthy weight
- treating the psychological issues sparking the eating disorder
- reducing or eliminating behaviors or thoughts that lead to disordered eating
- preventing a relapse
- National Institute of Mental Health
Producer:
Blis Hanousek Devault
Assistant Producers:
Rachel Ciccarello
Michael Seymour
Director:
Mike Rodriguez
Technical Director:
Samantha Smith
Audio:
Mark Robinson
Cameras:
Cassiopeia Moseley
Teleprompter:
Michael Seymour
Electronic Graphics:
Zane ShapiroRelated Links:
Ohio University Scripps College of Communications
http://www.scrippscollege.ohio.edu/
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov/mh/conditions/anorexia.cfm
