Study shows ‘Mid-life crisis’ does not lead to eating disorders

Age related eating disorder study identifies treatment implications for young adult and midlife women

An increasing number of middle-aged women are seeking treatment for eating disorders. The so-called 'Desperate Housewives' Syndrome exploded when Felicity Huffman [Actress, Desperate Housewives and Oscar-nominated Transamerica] revealed she suffered from eating disorders throughout her late teens.  Her public announcement coincided with the trend of more older women seeking treatment. Traditionally, eating disorders are thought of as occurring in teenage girls and women in their early 20s.

A study completed by the Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D) exploring age related factors in the onset of eating disorders found no significant differences between the patient age groups studied.  The study, under the direction of EDC-D Clinical Director Tamara Pryor, Ph.D. compared the temperament and character traits of younger eating disorder patients to middle-aged eating disorder patients.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Pryor said, “The initial purpose of the study was to determine whether or not treatment centers should adapt programs based on the age of its patients.”

In addition to diagnostic assessments, participants in the study completed a 240-item personal inventory across seven subjects. The study revealed the most significant stressors that indicated a potential of an eating disorder were:

1. Early dieting
2. Abuse/trauma
3. Grief/loss
4. Relationship issues

“There is the assumption that eating disorders are illnesses that belong to young people, and so I think it's very important that we are aware that they can reoccur midlife” Dr. Pryor said when addressing the traditional perceptions surrounding age and eating disorders.

For the majority of the participants, onset of the eating disorder did not occur after age 30.  Only six percent of the study participants established the beginning of the eating disorder occurred in midlife.  Sixty-three percent of those over 30 had chronic cases lasting into midlife and thirty-eight percent experienced a relapse in midlife.

The significant findings from this study are that the young adult and middle age groups are more similar in temperament, character and precursor identification than they are different.

The results indicate that adult patients do not need different treatment for eating disorders based on their age.  Additionally, since the stressors identified at onset between the age groups are similar, combining the age groups can potentially lead to more beneficial therapy opportunities.

For more information on this study, contact the Eating Disorder Center of Denver at www.edcdenver.com, call 1-866-771-0861, follow us on Twitter @EDCDenver, friend us on Facebook or join our Facebook Group.

About Eating Disorder Center of Denver
Established in 2001, Eating Disorder Center of Denver (EDC-D) is one of the nation's foremost centers for the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of eating disorders. EDC-D is committed to empowering individuals 18 years of age and older suffering with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and related disorders to help them achieve and sustain recovery. A multidisciplinary team of board-certified psychiatrists, physicians, clinicians, family therapists and registered dietitians work together to create a specialized, evidence-based treatment plan for each patient. For additional information about EDC-D, visit www.edcdenver.com or call 303-771-0861.

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