The Importance of Supporting Eating Disorder Research Funding

Contributor: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC.

science-14272_640Eating Disorders are complex illnesses. We need to know far more about the etiology of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder in order to develop effective treatments. Anecdotal reports of what has worked for other eating disorder sufferers is enlightening, offers hope and a sense of not being alone.

However, conclusions cannot be drawn on hearsay. Without scientific inquiry into the causes and treatment of eating disorders, we are left with little hope for overcoming these illnesses.

Research based treatment is our real hope for helping individuals overcome eating disorders. We need to know how and why some individuals are vulnerable to eating disorders and how to help them recover. Studies are underway examining the neurobiological underpinnings of these disorders.

Current Research on Eating Disorders

Currently, a few examples of research being conducted (and recruiting participants) include:

  • Researchers investigating the brain activity patterns of women struggling with bulimia.
  • Family based therapy, through the Maudsley Method, for the treatment of anorexia.
  • Couples treatment for anorexia nervosa.
  • Interpersonal Therapy for eating disorder sufferers on college campuses.
  • Treating binge eating disorder with cognitive behavior therapy, self-monitoring and problem solving1.

The Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories Report, published February 5, 2015 reflects that 30 million dollars were spent in 2014 on eating disorder research. Sounds sizeable, but not so much when you consider that 241 million was spent on asthma in 2014, 188 million was spent on autism in 2014, and 251 million was spent on hepatitis in 20152. Why is the most deadly of all mental illnesses receiving so little funding?

Money Is Needed, Greed Is Absent

stressed young businessman sitting outside corporate officeTrusted leaders in the field of eating disorder treatment have dedicated enormous time and energy to the research of eating disorders. They do this because they know of the suffering of individuals, families and society due to the debilitating and often deadly effects of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder.

Consider the thoughts of Dr. Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D., FAED, one of the most distinguished researchers in the field, who states: “in the absence of adequate research funding, we become paralyzed and our knowledge stagnates, and we have no hope of understanding the causes of these pernicious illnesses or improving detection, prevention and treatment.”

Her comment is sobering. We need significant research funding to make strides in our understanding and development of effective treatment for these deadly disorders. We need to encourage our politicians, the National Institute of Health and society as a whole to dedicate increasing resources toward eating disorder research. Together we can join forces to garner the necessary resources to overcome eating disorders.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Have you given thought to how research has impacted you or your loved ones treatment and recovery journey? Have treatment methods changed while you have been in recovery? What steps have you taken to encourage additional research?


References:

  1. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
  2. Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories (RCDC). (2015, February 15). Retrieved July 12, 2015 @ http://report.nih.gov/categorical_spending.aspx
  3. www.cynthiabulik.com

About the Author:

Jacquelyn-Ekern-photo-March-2015-289x300Jacquelyn Ekern founded Eating Disorder Hope in 2005, driven by a profound desire to help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. This passion resulted from her battle with, and recovery from, an eating disorder. She is a fully licensed therapist with a closed private counseling practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.

Jacquelyn has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree from The University of Phoenix and a Masters degree in Counseling/Psychology, from Capella University. She has extensive experience in the eating disorder field including advanced education in psychology, participation and contributions to additional eating disorder groups, symposiums, and professional associations. She is a member of the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), Academy of Eating Disorders (AED), the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).

Jacquelyn enjoys art, working out, walking her golden retriever “Cowgirl”, reading, painting and time with family.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 31st, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com