Eating disorders in college students

Abstract

Certainly eating disorders are a major threat to the physical and mental health of female college students today. Many students arrive at college with undiagnosed and untreated eating disorders, despite existing poor dental condition, amenorrhea, and a history of severe weight fluctuation. Bulimia and bulimarexia are more problematic in the 18-22 age group than is anorexia, with its earlier onset. The college years, especially for traditional age students, present pressures to complete certain developmental tasks. Some students arrive ill-equipped to complete these tasks and with family pathology as a backdrop. Eating disorders are one of the prevailing ways these young people try to cope; these disorders may be exacerbated by the college experience.