“This work, which will empirically quantify the most common barriers and their impact on treatment seeking, is a first step in breaking down these systemic barriers and providing equitable treatment for everyone who suffers from these deadly illnesses.”
…Hurdles include limited health insurance access, out-of-pocket expenses, clinician shortages, fragmented care, and societal stigma that get in the way of adequate access to care.
“More than 13% of women and 3.6% of men on college campuses have an eating disorder of some kind, but fewer than 20% of those affected ever receive treatment due to lack of available clinicians and the stigma associated with seeking help. New research led by eating disorders experts at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicates a phone app may help change that.”
“Wisconsin eating disorder specialists have seen an influx of patients during the pandemic, along with a spike in people seeking other mental health services. They're seeing new clients, along with people in recovery who are suffering flare-ups because of factors linked to the pandemic.
Weight stigma threatens psychological and physical health, according to National Eating Disorder Association data. Worrying about how one looks compounds fears of losing a job, getting sick or a loved one catching the virus to conjure up a mixture of anxiety.”
“While stereotypes might indicate that people with eating disorders are malnourished and skinny, the full spectrum of eating disorders goes far beyond these preconceived notions.”
The Academy for Eating Disorders has released a new document trying to bust the stigma and improve knowledge of this disease.
“Men and boys battling eating disorders often go under and un-diagnosed, and according to experts, that's due in part because of a double stigma men can face when it comes to getting treatment. First, men face stigma for having a disorder that's typically associated with women and can be described as feminine, and secondly because of the idea that "real men" don't talk about their emotions.”
In this video, three men share their stories of eating disorder recovery along with with male eating disorder expert, Dr. Nicholas Farrell. The National Association of Eating Disorders (NEDA) says, “Despite the stereotype that eating disorders only occur in women, about one in three people struggling with an eating disorder is male… But due in large part to cultural bias, they are much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder. Several factors lead to men and boys being under- and undiagnosed for an eating disorder,” one of which is double stigma “for having a disorder characterized as feminine or gay and for seeking psychological help.” Click “Read More” for more from the National Association of Eating Disorders.
