Study in Q-C looks at eating disorders
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By Deirdre Cox Baker | Friday, March 14, 2008 |
A groundbreaking study on eating disorders shows that residents of the Quad-City region have a basic understanding of the core illnesses that can lead to tragic consequences.
Some 800 people in Scott, Rock Island and Henry counties were polled during April 2007 on their knowledge of and attitudes toward eating disorders. The study was facilitated by David Deopere, president of the Robert Young Center for Community Mental Health in Rock Island.
“There is a basic core understanding of the illness in the Quad-Cities,” he said. More than 60 percent of those polled were able to name the common forms of the disorders — anorexia and bulimia — and almost all realized that an eating disorder can be fatal.
The disconnect comes with the public’s perception of where one should seek treatment. Most respondents believe the family physician is the first person to call, but Deopere said the disorder actually calls for both a physician and a mental health professional.
“The misunderstanding comes because most people believe an eating disorder is a physical problem rather than a mental one. In fact, it’s a dual diagnosis,” he said.
Further, the study shows that a strong majority of people 18 to 45 years old believe there is shame associated with treatment of an eating disorder, but that number decreases when senior citizens are asked about shame. “The older generation isn’t really into going to psychologists, but that may be reversing,” Deopere said.
Older residents do show less overall knowledge of eating disorders, with fewer, for example, able to name the exact illnesses or root causes. Younger people may know someone who actually has an eating disorder, he said, while it is less visible or discussed among those older than 61.
Unusual survey
The Quad-City study is rare. “It is one of the very few that has ever been conducted in a general community setting and outside the typical college environment, where eating disorders are most frequently studied,” Deopere said.
The Amy Helpenstell Foundation financed the effort. The foundation was established in honor of the young Quad-City woman who died in 2003 due to complications from anorexia.
“Since Amy herself was a victim of anorexia, there is no question in any board member’s thinking that we must do all that we can to help those suffering from eating disorders and to help educate our community as to the seriousness of them,” said Bud Helpenstell, Amy’s father and chairman of the foundation.
Next step
The survey results have provided a road map for the next step of the Eating Disorders Consortium, a partnership of area agencies devoted to connecting those with eating disorders to appropriate resources.
Physicians are to be surveyed on best practices for treating eating disorders and asked about what they see in their patients who have the illness. National experts will be invited to offer advanced educational techniques. A community symposium is being considered, including a track for consumers, Deopere said.
The three-year plan is to provide doctors and the community with better information and resources. “The impact of this collaborative effort hopefully will lead to a lessening of pain for many,” he said. “It can potentially save lives and increase the health and happiness of those persons who suffer from eating disorders.”
Deirdre Cox Baker can be contacted at (563) 383-2492 or dbaker@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.
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