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Resources for Eating Disorder Treatment in Developing Countries
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Perhaps one of the most common stigmas about eating disorders is that these are diseases that are only found in Western cultures or countries that are highly saturated by media, advertising, etc. Often referred to as diseases of “vanity”, it is mistakenly thought that eating disorders arise out of a desire to change external appearance, lose weight or fit into a certain pant size.
Eating disorders are psychiatric illnesses that impact individuals on a global basis, including developing countries that have little infiltration and influence by media.
Understanding How Developing Countries Are Affected By Eating Disorders
Advocacy efforts and improved research in the field of eating disorders has allowed for greater treatment measures and interventions, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and more.
While there may be greater awareness of the severity of these disorders in Western cultures, this does not undermine the presence of these diseases in non-Western cultures. Research has identified the increase in the prevalence of eating disorders in non-Western countries [1].
The difficulty arises when these deadly disorders are confronted by an overall lack of resources or understanding of effective treatment. Eating disorder sufferers in developing countries may face many more challenges in seeking out appropriate care and treatment due to overall lack of support for eating disorder care. A person dealing with an eating disorder may go undiagnosed for a significant amount of time before their disease is identified and/or treated.
Connecting to Help For Intervention
Professional and comprehensive treatment continues to be the most effective course of recovery for an eating disorder sufferer. Even if eating disorder treatment resources are sparse in a certain community or country, it is important to seek out help however possible.
With advanced technology and connections through the internet, there may be more options than meets the eye when it comes to eating disorder treatment and recovery options. Continuing to raise awareness of eating disorders on a global and international level can also help break the barriers that many face when it comes to eating disorders.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What are some ways we can continue to raise awareness of eating disorders as a global issue?
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: Prevalence of Eating Disorders: Comparison of Western and Non-Western Countries, http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/487413The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 4, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
