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NEDA Navigator Guidebook Not for public distribution. For exclusive use by official NEDA Navigators to help in either case. You must keep in mind that you are not a therapist and “simple listening,” while helpful, is not a substitute for therapy. 9. Q: Everyone in the family thinks this is just a play for attention on my daughter’s part… How do I talk with them? Help the contact understand that this is not a call for attention, and that eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal and social factors. You can share your family’s experience with them concerning this. Talk about your own understanding that the illness controls the person, not the other way around. The contact can encourage their family members to read the “Common myths about eating disorders” section of the Parent Toolkit: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/parent-toolkit.php You can also share the following: ED’s are serious illnesses. In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) (Wade, Keski-Rahkonen, & Hudson, 2011). Because of the secretiveness and shame associated with eating disorders, many cases are probably not reported. In addition, many individuals struggle with body dissatisfaction and sub-clinical disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. For example, it has been shown that 80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance. A review of nearly fifty years of research confirms that anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder (Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales, & Nielsen, 2011). Risk of death from suicide or medical complications is markedly increased for individuals with eating disorders (Crow et al., 2009). The study’s author also states, “Individuals with eating disorder not otherwise specified, which are sometimes viewed as a "less severe" eating disorder, have elevated mortality risks, similar to those found in anorexia nervosa.” This study demonstrated an increased risk of suicide across eating disorder diagnoses. Overall people with anorexia nervosa had a six fold increase in mortality compared to the general population. Reasons for death include starvation, substance abuse and suicide. The authors also found a higher rate of death from ‘natural’ causes, such as cancer (Papadopoulos, Ekbom, Brandt, & Ekselius, 2009). For more statistics information, log into the resources section of the Google Documents (access provided upon joining the program) or visit the NEDA website. Paste this link into your web browser: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/uploads/file/Statistics%20%20Updated%20Feb%20 10%202008%20B.pdf 10. Q: People keep asking me if my loved one is O.K. every single time they see me. It makes it so much harder. What do you suggest I say? Empower the contact to set boundaries for what they are willing to share. Tell them it’s OK to tell others they are not willing or comfortable to talk about their loved one at that time. They can express their thanks for peoples’ concern and leave it at that. Frequently Asked Questions ▪ Page 3 ©2012 National Eating Disorders Association. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or other use of this outline without the express written consent of the National Eating Disorders Association is prohibited. 13