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Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IVTR) lists criteria for anorexia nervosa that include refusing to maintain a normal body weight, weighing 85% below normal. Postmenarcheal females can be amenorrheic, having the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder have a fear of gaining weight or becoming fat. The DSM-IV- TR reports that 90% of anorexia nervosa cases occur in females (DSM-IV- TR, 2005). Research shows that at some time during their adolescence around half of high school and college age girls and 10% of boys will develop an eating related disorder. While only 20% of girls may develop a diagnosed eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, thirty percent have problems with eating and body image perceptions. The rate of eating disorders among adolescent girls has increased 300% since 1960. The percentage of eating disorders diagnosed among boys and younger children (ages 8-11) is also on the rise (Cumella, 2004).

Author's Biographies

Kelly Hedrick is in the Masters of Education School Counseling Program at Columbus State University. She just completed her first year of academic work and will begin her Practicum at a middle school in Columbus. Kelly has a background in Domestic Violence and has worked for a year and a half at a mental health clinic before starting the masters’ program. Upon graduation, she hopes to work as a middle school counselor and eventually become licensed as a therapist.

Terri Darden is in the Masters program in School Counseling. She is a teacher/guidance counselor at a private school for K-12. She enjoys working with children and has a family of her own.

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