Signs, treatment Early diagnosis is the key. Eating disorders usually start in adolescents and young adults. Severe cases lead to ulcers, acne, yeast infections and the loss of hair, tooth enamel and menstrual cycles. Roughly half of all anorexics develop bulimia. Anorexics are typically more isolated and bulimics more impulsive.
Treatment can include psychotherapy, some anti-depressants, nutritional and family counseling.
One in eight high school girls have vomited to control their weight. Eating disorders increasingly are affecting men and younger children, ages eight to 11. Young people flock to Web sites, bulletin boards and chat rooms to exchange ideas and feelings about anything and everything. Kristen's friend, who had been hiding her nutritional drinks to avoid gaining any weight, became angry when Kristen told a nurse about it. I wish we could have parted on better terms.