Meyer 101
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
600 N. Wolfe Street Baltimore, MD 21287 Angela S. Guarda, M.D. - Director
Janis H. Walker, LCSW-C
Ann Fuller, R.N.
Linda J. Ryan Eating disorders are increasingly common. Nearly one in 100 young women suffer from anorexia nervosa and up to three percent have bulimia. This epidemic may arise in part from conflict between society's ideal of beauty as excessively thin and the reality that 30% of the population is above ideal weight. Although young women comprise the majority of people affected, eating disorders can occur in any age group. One in ten patients are male. Eating disorders have many causes. They may be triggered by stressful life events including a loss or trauma, relationship difficulties, physical illness or a life change such as entering one's teens, marriage or pregnancy. An eating disorder may develop in association with another psychological problem such as depressive illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or substance abuse. Some individuals may have a familial predisposition. Acknowledging you have an eating problem is difficult. Most people deny and hide it from others, experiencing it as a shameful secret. Disturbances in mood, thinking and behavior are common to all eating disorders and make life difficult and unrewarding. Medical complications are frequent, including osteoporosis, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac and gastrointestinal problems. Importantly, however, early diagnosis and treatment are associated with good outcomes, and even those chronically affected can benefit greatly from treatment. Anorexia Nervosa - rapid weight loss
- excessive concern with body shape and weight
- preoccupation with food and calories
- decrease in variety of foods eaten
- skipping meals
- ritualized eating and food preparation
- menstrual irregularities
- excessive exercise
Bulimia Nervosa - fear of loss of control over eating
- excessive concern with body shape and weight
- feelings of shame and secrecy concerning bulimic behaviors
- consuming large amounts of food at one time (bingeing)
- self-induced vomiting
- abuse of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills
Binge Eating Disorder - fear of loss of control over eating
- bingeing
- feelings of disgust
- poor self-esteem
Atypical Eating Disorders - fear of swallowing or choking
- unexplained vomiting or weight loss
- eating rituals
- pica (eating non-nutritive substances)
- rumination (regurgitation and re-chewing of food)
Consultation services, Outpatient Partial Hospitalization and Inpatient care by specialized Johns Hopkins physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians and occupational therapists. After evaluation or treatment, patients return to their referring health care providers. Consultation Services - full psychiatric evaluation and treatment recommendations
Outpatient Clinic - cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented individual and family psychotherapy
- medication management
Partial Hospitalization - twelve hours/day schedule includes all meals
- seven days/week
- daily attending physician evaluation
- gradual decrease in number of hours/day and days/week
- low cost accommodations available for out-out-town patients and families
- family therapy
- group therapies
- interpersonal
- meal planning, preparation and performance
- self-esteem
- body image and gender roles
- family issues
- nutritional education
- crafts
- stretch and relaxation
- daily review of progress
- assertiveness training
- communication skills
Eating Disorders Inpatient Unit - short term inpatient treatment integrated with partial hospital program
- medical evaluation and full consultation services with other Johns Hopkins specialists
- daily attending physician evaluation
Do you think you have an eating disorder? Do you want to gain control of it? Call the number below for further information on obtaining help and to schedule an evaluation. If you suspect someone you know has an eating disorder, say you are concerned and ask the person to call: (410) 955-3863 | 
