Eating Disorders in Midlife
Posted on: January 3rd, 2015
Many of us believe that only teenage girls are afflicted with eating disorders; that girls in their formative years develop unhealthy relationships with food which progress to serious disorders. In fact, this is only partially true. Increasingly, middle-aged women are being diagnosed with eating disorders. According to The Cambridge Eating Disorder Center the past decade has seen reported cases rise by 100-400% and 10% of those suffering with eating disorders are over the age of 40.
What’s behind these alarming statistics? There are three scenarios that we see regularly. First, women that were diagnosed young, overcame the disorder and then experience midlife relapse. Second, women that had early onset but managed to keep it hidden until midlife. And third, women with no eating disorder in their past who develop the condition in midlife.
Profound life events that occur in one’s 30s, 40s and 50s are often triggers for onset and relapse. Divorce, re-entering the dating pool, empty-nest syndrome and the psychic toll of aging are among the most common patient stressors. In addition, findings show that poor body image continues to be an issue for women into midlife. Body image dissatisfaction in midlife increased from 25% in 1972 to a staggering 56% in 1997. This, in turn, creates chronic and extreme dieting that can easily tip into full-blown eating disorders.
Middle age should be a joyful time of life, filled with rich experiences. Don’t let an eating disorder make it a time of suffering. Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy can bring you relief. Contact us at info@maureenkritzerlange.com or (973) 313-1691.
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