• The nation’s top schools observed an
Denial of the existence or seriousness
of the problem is common among those
struggling, and may inhibit help–seeking.
For those ready to seek help, there may
be limited availability of mental health
professionals specializing in eating dis-
orders; available treatment may not be
affordable and insurance may not cover
all treatment needs (or any treatment
needs). Individuals with eating disorders
often have some traits in common, includ-
ing approval–seeking, persistence and
perfectionism. These traits can present
obstacles to reaching out and asking for
help from friends, family or profession-
increase in students needing and access-
ing mental health services
• Both national universities and liberal arts
colleges offer several options for men-
tal health services to students. Although
a variety of services are offered, many
schools don’t have enough resources to
meet the growing demand.
• Counseling centers report an increase in
the number of students entering college
with a pre–existing mental illness and
who are taking psychiatric medication.
They also report an increased awareness
of mental health issues.
als. In addition, mental illnesses, including
eating disorders, still carry a certain amount
of stigma and misunderstanding. Although
stigma surrounding eating disorders and
other mental illnesses has lessened, it still
exists, and media portrayal and glam-
orization of thinness, and even anorexia,
continue to be problematic, making it
difficult for the individual to admit there’s
a problem and seek help. The cultural
value placed on thinness and normali-
zation of dieting behaviors in the U.S. can
contribute to hearing comments from
others that encourage and reinforce eating
disorder behaviors or family and friends
not recognizing signs and symptoms.
• On average, 95% of schools report an
increase in the number of students utiliz-
ing their services
• On average, 23% of students at liberal
arts schools and 13% at national univer-
sities use mental health services. (ADAA,
2007) People with anorexia nervosa have a six
fold increase in mortality compared to the
general population. Reasons for death
include starvation, substance abuse and
suicide. (Papadopoulos, 2009) Prevalence
of eating disorders is similar across races
and ethnicities. (Hudson 2007; Wade, 2011)
College mental health services
According to the Anxiety Disorders Asso-
ciation of America, college students are
requesting more services for mental health
every year. Results from their 2007 national
audit of mental health care at US colleges
and universities, indicate that:
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