Stressed for Finals? It May Trigger Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can be genetic or caused by psychological issues like coping skills, control issues, trauma, family trouble, or social issues. While different types of eating disorders have different possible causes, one thing is for sure—female college students are particularly at risk for engaging in this harmful behavior.

Recent studies have shown that approximately 31% of female college students suffer from some form of an eating disorder. In fact, one college campus survey reported that 91% of the women admitted to controlling their weight through dieting, with 22% identifying themselves as dieting “often” or “always.” An estimated 25% of college-age women resort to binging and purging to manage their weight.

Why Extreme Diets, Like Juice Fasts Are Harmful.

As the media speculates whether or not an eating disorder, coupled with extreme dieting and juice fasts may have played a role in the sudden and tragic death of 25 year-old Peaches Geldof; there is one thing we know for certain – approximately 24 million people of all ages and genders suffer from an eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder) in the United States.

However, with this case thrusting the health risks related to extreme dieting into the media spotlight, we wanted to take a moment to discuss the very real dangers that occur when people engage in extreme dieting and explain the real life consequences that can occur.

Equine Therapy and Miniature Horses

Written by Molly Cook, LCSW, LISA

The designation of miniature horse is determined by the height of the animal, which, depending on the particular breed registry involved, is usually less than 34–38 inches (86–97 cm). While miniature horses are the size of a very small pony, many retain horse characteristics and are considered “horses” by those in the equine realm. Miniature horses are friendly and interact well with people, though they still retain natural horse behavior, including a natural fight or flight instinct, and must be treated like an equine.

Exciting News From The Meadows Ranch!

Equine Therapy is a highly effective therapeutic tool used at The Meadows Ranch in our eating disorder treatment program. As part of our innovative and holistic treatment program, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) helps patients learn new ways of dealing with trauma, their eating disorder, and relationships.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy More Effective Than Psychoanalysis

American Journal of Psychiatry has published a new study touting the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. The study tracked 70 patients who were randomly assigned to either psychoanalytic psychotherapy or enhanced CBT. The study tracked the patients for 2 years and at the end discovered that 44 percent of the CBT group had stopped binge eating and purging compared to 15 percent effectiveness in the psychotherapy group. By the end of both treatments, substantial improvements in eating disorder features and general psychopathology were observed, but in general these changes took place more rapidly in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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The Meadows Seasons

The Meadows Ranch has transitioned to The Meadows Seasons in Wickenburg.

For those in need of treatment options, please visit TheMeadowsSeasons.com or explore the services offered at our Meadows Outpatient Center.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your healing journey. 866-390-5100