Program to combat 'U' eating disorders

Ten percent of all University women suffer from bulimia or other eating disorders.

Constant exercising, meal skipping and an inadequate self image are all common warning signs of eating disorders. While some cases may be less severe than others, they are all prevalent, dangerous and in need of attention, University experts say.

In response to these statistics, Mary McKinney, a staff psychotherapist at the University's Psychological Clinic, is co-leading the Eating Issues and Body Image Workshop, which begins today and is scheduled to meet on Mondays from 3:15-4:45 p.m.

The nine-week support and education group targets women with eating disorders and those who are obsessed with issues of food and weight.

"A surprisingly large percentage of students feel like their self esteem depends on whether they are successful at their diets, " McKinney said.

A recent study conducted by Public Health Prof. Adam Drewnowski found that 2.5 percent of female first-year students at the University engage in bulimic behavior that either may be defined as a clinical syndrome or as an atypical eating disorder.

Of the women diagnosed with bulimia, only one in seven get treatment, Drewnowski said.

"For the most part, people seeking help are there of their own accord, as you cannot force someone to get help," said Sheryl Kurze, a University Health Service physician who specializes in eating disorders. "They are there because they are scared."

Aly Sherling, an LSA first-year student, said eating disorders are a big problem on campus.

"I have noticed that everyone here exercises a lot and is extremely weight conscious," Sherling said.

Kurze said the many changes experienced during the transition between high school and college "makes freshmen more vulnerable to eating disorders."

The workshops will address the physical problems caused by eating disorders and ways to control compulsive eating, and will discuss concrete tasks and coping exercises.

"It is often helpful just knowing that you are not alone," McKinney said.

In addition to the Body Image Workshop, the University Psychological Clinic, UHS and Counseling and Psychological Services are coordinating a campus faction to participate in the National Eating Disorders Screening Program on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Wolverine Room of the Michigan Union.

The program is open to all students concerned with weight issues. Participants will be interviewed and will take a written test that will determine whether their concerns need attention.

"Effective, comprehensive treatment (of eating disorders) requires medical (and) nutritional, as well as psychological, therapy," Kurze said. "These are all essential aspects of treatment that are available on campus now."

Also scheduled are various seminars and clinics for medical and health professionals to learn about prevention and therapy techniques for eating disorders. The University Hospitals' psychiatry department devoted its weekly teaching seminars in January to eating disorders.

Psychotherapists at the University's Psychological Clinic have organized a semester-long seminar to learn more about providing therapy for clients to ensure they are aware of the most current treatments.

Joslyn Walson, a resident director in Mary Markley Residence Hall, said she does not think there have been enough programs on campus that address eating disorders.

"People don't do enough to support each others' body images," Walson said. "They don't compliment and encourage one another. As a (resident director), I am really concerned about the prevalence of eating disorders."

Geeta Bhatia, resident advisor in Markley, said she notices that more and more girls in the dorms look emaciated.

While RAs are not trained to confront eating disorders, they are trained to point students to resources for help. The first place they recommend is Counseling and Psychological Services, which provides individual and short-term counseling.

A few sororities on campus have taken steps to address eating disorders by having pamphlets and fliers on bulletin boards in their houses.

Enrollment in McKinney's workshop is limited. Students who are interested in the workshop can call 764-3471 to schedule a pre-workshop.

02-16-98