December 22nd, 1998
Opening March 1st:
Healthy Within Eating Disorders Program
An Intensive Day Treatment Program
with an independent, structured living environment
The underlying belief of the program is that eating disorders are behaviors that are learnt as a way of coping and adapting to stressful event's in one's life. We believe that complet recovery is possible and that a person can have a satisfying and healthy relationship with food and their body. This treatment program is for women, 18 years and over. The program is multifaceted in that it includes the following components:
Unique and individualized treatment plan; Complete medical and Psychiatric care with experienced physicians; Complete Psychological care; Group Therapy; 3 Individual sessions per week; Individual and Group sessions with Nutritionist Fitness program that emphasizes moderation and balance to challenge exercise addiction and/or resistance; Body Image/Body Awareness groups; Sexuality and relationship groups; Spirituality groups; Yoga; Art therapy; Cognitive Behavioral groups; Relapse Prevention groups; Multiple family therapy groups; Individual family therapy sessions; Experiential exercises with eating out, groucery shopping, cooking classes, and menu planning; HIGHLY EXPERIENCED AND RECOVERED STAFF
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Divya Kakaiya, PSY 14052
(619) 622-0221
www.bulimia-anorexia.com
December 22nd, 1998
Article on Eating Disorders and Addiction
After reading this article, you will be familiar with: Common and divergent causal factors of eating disorders and substance use disorders; Comorbidity of eating disorders and substance use disorders; Neurobiology of eating disorders and substance use disorders; Assessment techniques and nutritional, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions;
Who may benefit from reading this article?
Psychiatrists, primary care physicians, neurologists, psychologists, social workers, dietitians, psychiatric nurses and other mental health care professionals.
to read the article, go to:
https://www.mhsource.com/edu/psytimes/p981230.html
December 14th, 1998
Annual Symposium in 1999
Cincinnati, Ohio, March 26-28, 1999 - The Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists (SCAN), a practice group of The American Dietetic Association, announce their annual Symposium in 1999 to be held March 26-March 28, 1999, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. This year's topic is "Disordered Eating and Obesity: Confronting the Problem, and Creating Solutions." The rising prevalence of eating disorders and obesity in America have received much attention in recent years, and professionals as diverse as middle school teachers, physicians, registered dietitians, social workers, exercise specialists, and psychologists are finding the need to develop the skills to deal with these complex problems. SCAN's Symposium will provide attendees with a wealth of clinical information and practical application presented by leading experts in the fields of obesity and disordered eating. Highlights include presentations related to body image, sports nutrition, psychological issues, vegetarianism, medication advances, and adolescent health. Registration is open to all professionals working with obese or eating disordered patients.
For more information, please contact the SCAN office:
90 S Cascade Avenue, Suite 1190
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Phone: (719) 475-7751 -- Fax: (719) 475-8748
Email: [email protected]
November 28th, 1998
WBNC Television Seeks Participants
TIPS III is a television show on WBNC, a student-run station at Montgomery Blair High School, and is for teenagers and their parents. I am looking for anyone who is either an expert on eating disorders or who has had/has an eating disorder who would feel comfortable talking about it, how it affected them, and giving advice to others who may have an eating disorder, etc. If you are interested, you can contact me at [email protected] and leave your name and number and I will call you back.
The show is scheduled for December 16th from 5:30 to around 7:00.
if interested, e-mail your name and phone number to:
[email protected]
November 28th, 1998
CHAOS AND CONTROL -- RESEARCH
My name is Amy Wicksteed and I am presently carrying out PhD research on eating disorders. Firstly I would like to thank all the wonderful people who have already contacted me (and all of those whom I have met through my clinic based work here in Sheffield). I still however would like to hear from any sufferers / survivors who are willing to share their thoughts / experiences with me.
My particular focus is looking at the two themes of chaos & control (in various forms). These themes can be considered in relation to a variety of areas; relationships (ranging from abusive to unpredictable to those in which you feel the need to appease others), life events prior to the onset of your illness (disruptions, pressures, uncontrollable, chaotic feelings),what your eating disorder represented to you (something you felt effective in doing, something you were controlling, someway of improving your self-esteem, something you used as a comfort, as a release, as an escape), and any other areas of your life which you felt the need to be "on top of" and "in control of".
I would love to hear from you, let me know if you can relate to any of these ideas, or if they fit in with your experiences.(if you find it easier I can send you some guidline questions...although I am interested in what is important to you so they can only act as a guide). the deadline for this stage of my research is the end of January 1999.
Please contact me at:
[email protected]
or
Amy Wicksteed
ScHARR, University of Sheffield
Regent Court, Sheffield,
S1 4DA, England.
November 17th, 1998
TELEVISION SPECIAL
To all those involved in gender issues, media literacy, eating disorder awareness and health education: "In the Mix", the PBS reality series for young people, will be re-broadcasting its special episode "Self-Image: The Fantasy, The Reality" beginning this Saturday, November 21.
Check your local listings for times in your area.
For more information:
www.pbs.org
October 30th, 1998
COMPILATION OF REAL STORIES
We (two students) are working towards the recovery of our own struggles with eating disorders. We want to reach out into our community and beyond, and help people understand and fight these disorders. In doing this, we hope to be able to publish a compilation of real stories, poetry, etc from real sufferers who can help help others. We are looking for some inspirational stories of recovery, as well as realistic, up front stories of struggles with eating disorders. Please send submissions to:
M. Warming
Mount Allison University
152 main Street, unit #17
Sackville, NB E4L 1B3 -- Canada
or email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
submissions will be accepted from September to mid-April
When sending your contribution, please indicate if you want it published
anonymously, or with your name attached.
October 23rd, 1998
EAT WITH LOVE
LOW COST TELEPHONE CLASSES!
TOPIC of CLASS: EAT WITH LOVE
October 26, AT 9pm EST and October 29, at 10pm EST
The content of the class will be the same for both times. You may take either one, or both if you want to repeat the material.
If you are overweight of if you eat when you're not hungry, you probably eat with shame, guilt or fear. Studies show that our thoughts and feelings impact our physiological processes. In fact, one theory suggests our metabolism is linked to our beliefs and thoughts about food and our bodies.
This class will give an overview of the 5 principles needed for creating a friendly, love-filled relationship to food. The author, a specialist in the area of eating disorder recovery and herself a recovered foodaholic and author of Living Binge-Free and Beyond the Food Game will share the material to be published in her forthcoming book, Eat with Love.
The cost for the class is $10 total for either session (plus your long-distance phone bill), payable by charge card by calling
(303) 721-0007, vm ext. 1. Please leave your name, MC, Visa or Discover card
number and expiration date, email address as well as your telephone number in case I have a problem. You will then receive the telephone number to call for the class. Register early, because the class filled up early last time.
There will be a follow-up telegroup that will meet 3 times a month beginning in November. The cost for that group will be $75 a month and will be limited to 6 participants. If you are interested in this group, you must take this introductory class.
Jane E. Latimer, M.A.
Energetic Psychotherapist, Mentor and Aliveness Coach
The Aliveness Experience
https://www.aliveness.net
[email protected]
October 16th, 1998
The Eighth Annual Renfrew Center Foundation Conference
for Professionals
November 13th - 15th, 1998
Saturday, November 14th:
The Potential of the Online Community
Nancy Logue, Ph.D., A.C.S.W., Steve Bond, Amy Medina and Wendy McWhorter-Finney:
This workshop provides an overview of psychological activity on the Internet, including a description of the Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders, e-mail, bulletin boards and chat rooms. Highlighted are legal/ethical issues and how the values of respect, connection and safety can be expressed within the online world.
To register or for more information contact Renfrew:
1-800-RENFREW
October 11th, 1998
NEW NATIONAL PUBLICATION FOR HISPANIC TEENAGE FEMALES
I'm happy to announce a new national publication for hispanic teenage females entitled "Latin Girl," which debuts in mid-January as a Feb/March issue. We would very much like to include a profile of a young girl dealing with an eating disorder. I know this is a sensitive subject, and in no way do I want to invade anyone's privacy, but I think it is vitally important that this information be shared and understood in a real way as much as possible. I have suffered through my own battles with eating disorders, so I certainly can relate to the agonies that teens can face. If you would like to share your story, or would like advice to any other problem you're facing, please send it to:
Latin Girl Magazine
attn: "Ask Alma"
PO Box 625, Hoboken, NJ 07030-0625
Thank you very much...
Letisha, Managing Editor
e-mail: [email protected]
REVISTA NUEVA NACIONAL PARA JOVENES LATINAS
Se comienza una revista nueva nacional para jovenes latinas que se llama "Latin Girl," que se vendera al medio de enero de 1999. Estamos buscando a historias personales de muchachas que sufren de trastornos de comer. Yo se que es una cuestion muy sensitiva, porque he sufrido cuando yo era mas joven, entonces, yo se que sobre todo, es importante hablar francamente de estas cosas de salud para ayudar a otras. Si tu quieras compartir tu historia o si tu quieras preguntar de otras problemas personales, puede escribirnos a nuestra columnista de consejero, "Ask Alma":
Latin Girl Magazine
attn: "Ask Alma"
PO Box 625, Hoboken, NJ 07030-0625
Muchas gracias y bendiciones...
Letisha, Managing Editor
e-mail: [email protected]
September 28th, 1998
Upcoming Educational Lecture
Jennifer Kelman from Healing
Connections, Inc. will be giving a lecture entitled "Reclaiming Your Body: Finding Joy and Acceptance
While Healing Body Image Issues" in New York city on November 9th, 1998. It is open to the general public to
attend.
for more information
Healing Connections, Inc.
212-585-3450 -- [email protected]
September 14th, 1998
Infant Feeding Disorder
Infantile Anorexia - Refusal of food when solids are introduced that
persists for more than a month, which leads to malnutrition, parental
concern, and conflicts over feeding time.
"The syndrome is more severe than the traditional 'picky eater,'" writes the team in the September issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. "Picky eaters may refuse all foods or only certain foods, but these children are not malnourished. And the relationship between the picky eater and his or her parents lacks the element of frustration and conflict that is seen in infantile anorexia."
for more information read the
August
article from the Thrive Newstand
September 14th, 1998
Social Worker Looking to Relocate
I am a 26 year old social worker form New Jersey who is looking to
relocate to either San Francisco or Boston by next September. I am in
recovery myself and have done work with people in recovery and would
like to attain a job continuing to do so. Anyone who has any
information about those areas or any creative information about
relocating or finding a job in the eating disorders field, please
contact me via email at
[email protected].
Kelly Sullivan
[email protected]
August 31st, 1998
Eating Disorders Treatment Conference
The New Jersey Chapter of the AABA is having a conference on the Treatment of Eating Disorders on Sept 25th. Kathyrne Zerbe, MD will be the keynote speaker. For more information you may call the Medical Center at Princeton and ask for
Caroline 609-497-4490.
Ask for Caroline
609-497-4490
August 25th, 1998
Second Annual Pre-ADA Seminar
Sunday, October 18, 1998 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wyndham Garden Hotel, Kansas City (Country Club Plaza)
After the Diet: Counseling Techniques That Enhance Your Effectiveness
Featuring: Jennifer Hagman, M.D., Denver, Colorado, Psychiatrist
Director, The Rocky Mountain Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Children's Hospital --
Diane Keddy, M.S., R.D., Irvine, California, Nutrition Therapist,
Editorial Board Member, After the Diet Newsletter --
Monika M. Woolsey, M.S., R.D., Nutrition Therapist, Publishing Editor,
After the Diet Newsletter
Topic: Psychiatric Diagnoses and Their Impact on Nutrition Therapy: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Case studies from attendees will be presented and discussed in the afternoon session.
6 CUE credits have been applied for through the American Dietetic Association.
For registration information:
www.afterthediet.com
August 24th, 1998
Coping Skills
A small study by the Institute of Psychiatry in London found that
those with Eating Disorders had a more difficult time focusing-in on
the sources of their stress. It also found that women with Eating Disorders
were more inclined to avoid the issues within themselves, and that
they were less optomistic.
This study only enforces that an important aspect to treatment needs to
be learning better coping alternatives, and to
learn to better identify each individual's own sources of stress and
negative thought.
More information on this study is available at:
Yahoo's Health Headlines
August 24th, 1998
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Researchers in Texas are reporting that a high percentage of those
afflicted with Eating Disorders also exhibit symptoms of Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD); a condition found in the survivors of a
traumatic event, or series of traumatic events. As important, it also found that
a diagnosis of PTSD did not seem to play a role in the severity or type
of Eating Disorder.
This study only validates previous studies... Many who suffer with
Eating Disorders also live with other psychological
conditions and illnesses, and/or addictions, and it is important to treatment that these
issues be addressed.
More information on this study is available at:
Yahoo's Health Headlines
July 21st, 1998
MEDA Conference
The Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association will hold its 5th National Conference on Friday, September 25, 1998 in Needham, MA. The conference is titled "Looking Ahead to the 21st Century: Innovative Approaches to the Treatment of Eating Disorders', and will feature Dr. Margo Maine, author of Father Hunger and a question and answer session with Peggy Claude-Pierre of the Montreux Clinic.
For information or a brochure, please contact:
phone: (617) 558-1881 -- e-mail: [email protected]
or write to: MEDA -- 92 Pearl Street, Newton, MA 02458.
July 6th, 1998
Interviews for the Fully-Recovered
We've published books and audiotapes on eating disorders since 1988,
including LIVING BINGE-FREE: A Personal Guide to Victory over Compulsive
Eating and BEYOND THE FOOD GAME: A Spiritual and
Psychological Approach to Healing Emotional Eating.
Right now we're searching for people who have fully recovered from their
eating disorder (i.e., food being a non-issue for at least two years, with
no fear that the bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating will return) for a new
project. If you or someone you know fits that description, we would greatly
appreciate hearing from you.
All of the phone interviewing will be done by Jane E. Latimer, M.A., the
author of the previously mentioned books and featured as a completely
recovered person herself in the G�rze book,
FULL LIVES.
We will be donating 10% of the retail sales of the resulting audio tape
sets to various national eating disorder organizations.
We feel that the goal of full recovery, as we define it, warrants much
greater prominence than it seems to have gotten so far. The hope and
inspiration these stories can provide are important reinforcements as
people move towards the new energies and joys that a life beyond eating
disorders brings.
Gene Latimer: 303-721-0007
e-mail: [email protected]
May 29th, 1998
12 Annual Summer 1998 Eating Disorders Institute
Presented by: Saddleback College Division of Health Science and Human Services and the
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals
June 15th to June 26th, 1998
at Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, California
Health Science Annex - 101
Classes will meet Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Continuing Education Credit is available. The program is designed to
provide 9 units of core curriculum toward the International Association
of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) Certification. All health
care professionals working with patients/clients (i.e. counselors,
psychologists, dieticians, EAP's, CAC's, nurses, physicians, dentists,
etc.) will benefit from the knowledge and skills provided to work with
clients in this field. The Institute/Conference fee is $50 and
enrollment fees are as follows: 13.00 per unit plus $8.00 mandatory
health fee for California residents; 144.00 per unit plus $8.00
mandatory health fee for out-of-state residents.
For curriculum and
class information call: Saddleback College Human Services Department
(714) 582-4911 or e-mail
[email protected]
May 12th, 1998
FREE Public Conference Saturday, June 6th, 1998
Eating Disorders Council of Long Island
Understanding and Embracing our Hungers:
A Nurturing Approach to Eating.
The conference will feature the author Jillian Medoff, the author of "Hunger Point" along with other board members of the EDCLI. The workshop will address such issues as: What Am I Hungry For? Hearing My Eating Disordered Voice. Am I Worth It? Risking Change.
Saturday, June 6th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
at North Shore University Hospital
Manhasset, on Long Island.
For more information visit the Eating
Disorders Council of Long Island Website or call them at 718-962-2778
April 7, 1998
Announcing NEW ORGANIZATION and NEW Website
HEALING CONNECTIONS, INC.
Healing Connections, Inc. is a new non-profit organization, with its
goals set on helping the victims of Eating Disorders afford the treatment
they so desperately need.
Healing Connections, Inc. is "an organization that works to raise funds to help
defray the cost of treatment for individuals and their families who could
not otherwise afford care."
Visit their new website at:
www.HealingConnections.org
March 26th, 1998
First For Women Magazine
Researcher with First For Women Magazine looking to
feature in the magazine a woman who has experienced binge eating
disorder. I would be interested in any contact from an
individual, support group, medical facility or anyone else who might be
helpful. Anyone who would like to reach me by phone could call
801-943-6571, and I would be happy to call them right back.
Also, please feel free to
e-mail me at: [email protected]
March 26th, 1998
Pottery Wanted
Pottery Wanted For Fundraiser (especially bowls, mugs, etc). The purpose of the fundraiser to raise money to help defer the cost of treatment and to help with the cost of food / supplements for a recovering anorexic. Send pottery to:
- Atwood
PO BOX 4892
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
or e-mail to:
[email protected]
for more information.
March 23rd, 1998
Important Article on Recovery
My name is Mariann Wayne, I am a freelance writer in New York City, currently working
on an article for a major women's magazine on victims recovered or in recovery from
Anorexia. I am looking to interview women regarding their stories of recovery and who
are willing to be photographed, and who can (and are willing) to provide a "before
recovery" picture. I want to stress that the ultimate message within this article will
be a positive one, expressing that there is hope, and encouraging other victims to seek
help.
If you are interested in participating please contact me (Mariann) by March 30th at:
212-228-7137. If you receive my voice mail just leave a message and I will
return your call as soon as possible.
March 23rd, 1998
NHHI Announces New Newsletter
New Hope Healing Institute is adding SIED to their current newsletters, providing a forum for discussion and encouragement for those struggling with Self-Inflicted Harm and Eating Disorders. This newsletter will be available at the end of April 1998. This will be a quarterly newsletter available at $8.00 per year ($9.00 per year for addresses outside the US & Canada).
To place your order and receive the first year's subscription at a reduced rate, contact:
New Hope Healing Institute by April 15th, 1998
PO Box 532067, Indianapolis, IN 46253-2067
or email: [email protected]
March 23rd, 1998
Article on Prevention
I am a masters candidate at the Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy and a dietetic intern at the Frances Stern Nutrition Center at the New England Medical Center in Boston. I am putting together an article for parents of children and teenagers on how to prevent and/or detect eating disorders in their children. I am looking to write the article from the perspective of a parent who didn't realize her child had a problem until the problem progressed. If would like to participate or have any suggestions please contact me. Thank you very much.
Jenna Hollenstein
[email protected]
March 13th, 1998
Television Show
Sunday night at 10pm on CNN there is a show called Impact
that will be discussing the issues of Eating Disorders. Please check with your
local listings for exact schedules in your time zone.
March 13th, 1998
Free Treatment for Bulimia
There is an opportunity for free treatment for bulimia for women, age 18 and
over, who are interested in participating in a research project funded by
the NIH. The treatment site is in Greenwich, CT so the convenient
geographical areas are Fairfield county, CT and Westchester county, NY.
This study was developed because despite treatment advances, Bulimia Nervosa
is still a serious health problem, particularly for women. There is still a
long way to go before effective treatment will be available to all those who
need it.
The goal of the study is to test the success and suitability of two
relatively successful types of Bulimia treatment--Prozac and the guided
self-help form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy--in a primary care setting.
Finding out if treatment can be successfully delivered in primary care by
your regular doctor or internist is important because most individuals with
binge eating problems do not receive treatment. If effective treatment can
be delivered in a primary care setting, help would be available to many more
people, especially those who are unable or unwilling to seek out specialized care.
This study asks the following questions:
- Are treatment interventions that are developed in specialized centers
suitable for adaptation to a primary care setting, such as a general
practitioner, internist or family doctor?
- In a primary care setting, is the antidepressant, Prozac, better than a
placebo?
- Is Guided Self-Help superior to the medical management provided by the
primary care experience?
The study was developed and is being coordinated by international experts in
Eating Disorders: Dr. Timothy Walsh from Columbia University, Dr.
Christopher Fairburn from Oxford University, and Dr. Diane Mickley at
Wilkins Eating Disorders Center, Greenwich, CT.
The study requires 1 pre-treatment visit to determine suitability and do a
baseline assessment. The participant will then come for 5 to 10 visits over
the course of 4 months and conclude with 2 follow-up visits over the
following few months.
Anyone interested in more information should call Phyllis Roloff at the
Wilkins Center 203-531-1909 for preliminary screening and information.
February 9th, 1998
Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 23rd to February 28th, 1998
The Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders will be posting
special events to take place during Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
If you have an event you'd like to see posted, please submit it to
[email protected].
All events will be posted on the dedicated Eating Disorders
Awareness Week Page.
February 2nd, 1998
Treatments for Bone Loss
The Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston is
currently investigating novel treatments for bone loss in
anorexia nervosa. This study, which is currently open for enrollment,
consists of 9 months of treatment and 3 months of follow-up. Participants
receive a bone growth hormone (IGF-1) or placebo, either alone or in
conjunction with estrogen. Bone density will be assessed before and after
treatment to ascertain efficacy of treatment. To qualify, women must be
between the ages of 18 and 40; be amenorrheic for at least 3 months; and
be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Subjects will receive a free test of
bone density as part of the protocol, and will undergo a careful analysis
of nutritional status which will be made available to the treating
physician. Because the goal is to restore normal circulating IGF-1
levels, hormonal treatment is expected to be well tolerated. Physicians
or patients who would like more information should contact:
Steven Grinspoon, M.D. at (617) 726-3890, or
Caryn Coyle, F.N.P. at (617) 724-7393.
November 14, 1997
FEN/PHEN
People who have taken Fen/Phen (a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine) for weight loss are being urged to immediately stop taking the pills, and visit their doctors for a complete workup. To rule out the possibility of the adverse effects these two drugs combined can have, you should have your heart and lungs checked right away.
Please visit the National Association to Advance
Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) website and fill out their Registry for Diet Drug Users.
November 14, 1997
National Television Network
I am a Producer for PBS, Carlton Uk Television and Canadian Broadcast Corporation doing research for a documentary film program on weight and dieting in the Western World. The film will take an in depth look at issues of health, diet, fat, eating disorders, and genetics. I am looking for teenagers who are currently struggling with anorexia or bulimia and would like to talk with me about their disorder.
If you'd like to know more, please contact me for an informal chat at
tel: 516-421-6931 or via e-mail: [email protected]
Thanks for your help and interest. Carleen L. Hsu
October 19, 1997
Walkathon
Our friend Gloria suffers from anorexia, & we're organizing a walkathon to
raise money for her treatment. The walkathon will take place in North
Andover, Massachusetts on Sunday November 9th, 1997. We are looking for:
- people who are interested in walking in the walkathon
- donations of money (payable to the "Little Steps Walkathon Association")
- people who are willing to collect sponsors, but who may not be able to
walk in the walkathon because they don't live in the area
- volunteers to help out on the day of the walk.
- ideas & suggestions
For information, contact
James Kofalt at (617) 628-9263
or e-mail to [email protected]
September 24th, 1997
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sally Smith
916/558-6880
DIET DRUG REGISTRY LAUNCHED
Advocacy Group to Track Diet Drug Victims
The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) has launched an online registry for those who have used Redux and/or fen/phen for weight loss. The site, at https://naafa.org, has been designed to both gather
information about and provide information to former patients who have concerns about the long term effects of the drugs and to those who are suffering from the illnesses associated with the drugs, including pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, and neurotoxicity.
Information about the legal recourse available to victims is also available on the site, and those wishing to can subscribe to an online mailing list for updates about medical and legal news as it develops. This information will also be sent to people who send a self-addressed stamped envelope to NAAFA, P.O. Box 188620, Sacramento, CA 95818.
According to NAAFA Executive Director Sally E. Smith, the information is sorely needed. "We have received many, many calls from former patients who are desperate for information, and we strongly encourage all health care providers to support this registry and to encourage their patients to register."
Ronald R. Benjamin, who represents NAAFA and others in a suit filed in federal court on September 5, 1997, said, "We are seeking to have the pharmaceutical companies pay the cost of any medical expenses incurred in testing or other necessary monitoring stemming from being exposed to these drugs. This registry is crucial to knowing who will be needing help."
September 15th, 1997
FDA ANNOUNCED WITHDRAWAL OF FENFLURAMINE (PONDIMIN) AND DEXFENFLURAMINE (REDUX)
Based on new findings, showing that approximately 30 percent of
all patients in the study, had abnormal echocardiograms (a test
done to check the functionality of heart valves), the
[Food and Drug Administration] has recommended that manufacturers
voluntarily withdraw both medications from the market in the
treatment of obesity.
Patients current using either or both of these medications should
stop taking them immediately, and contact their physician to
discuss treatment.
These finding are similar to the findings in earlier studies that
resulted in the
FDA's warning against the use of Fen/Phen
(a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine).
You can get read more information in
the original Press Release distributed by U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services for the FDA.
September 2nd, 1997
Eating Disorders and Infections
A new report published in the Journal of The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that strep and similar infections can trigger the start of Anorexia Nervosa.
The report, originating at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, says that while doctors aren't sure why the infection prompts the Eating Disorder, many believe problems are linked to an increase in immune antibodies that develop in response to the bacteria. In some patients, these same antibodies attack the brain, causing the development of psychiatric disorders, including anorexia, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
You can get read more information at
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Website in their press released titled "Strep" Infection May Cause One Type of Anorexia.
from "Vital Signs" by Colette Bouchez September 1st, 1997, New York Daily News.
July 10th, 1997
SPECIAL BULLETIN - FEN/PHEN
The FDA has alerted physicians to reports of valvular heart disease in women treated for obesity with a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine (commonly known as Fen/Phen).
FDA noted that as of July 8, 1997, the agency has received reports of 33 cases of unusual abnormalities in mitral, aortic, and tricuspid heart valves in women between the ages of 30 and 72 who had been taking fenfluramine and phentermine for 1 month to 28 months. The course of the disease when the drugs are stopped is unknown at this time.
Read more:
HEALTH ADVISORY ON FENFLURAMINE/PHENTERMINE
Heart valve disease and fen-phen - Mayo Clinic
July 1st, 1997
Diabetic Teenage Girls at Risk...
The New England Journal of Medicine has reported finding that diabetic teenagers are often skipping their insulin injections as a way of losing weight. Canadian research found that about one-third of adolescent girls in one hospital were regularly underdosing themselves with insulin. This elevates their risk of eye damage and even blindness. This same study found that about 86 percent of the girls exhibiting eating pattern problems who were skimping on insulin, were in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness.
It should also be noted that Eating Disorders, especially binge-eating disorder, are common amongst teenagers with diabetes, and a recent study reported that a large number of diabetics were also using laxatives as a means to attempt to control weight. While Eating Disorders alone can be very serious and even deadly, the combination of diabetes and an Eating Disorder significantly increases a victims potentional for serious adverse complications.
March 19, 1997
FDA Approval of Prozac in Treatment of Bulimia
In late November, 1996 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Prozac as a treatment for Bulimia. Studies have shown that use of this drug can decrease binge-eating, as well as purge episodes that follow, significantly. Of course, it's important to note that prescription drug-use of any kind needs to be closely monitored by a doctor, and in cases of mental and emotional disturbances such as with Bulimia or Anorexia, should be used collaberatively with therapy by a psychiatrist, psychologist or certified therapist. The approval by the FDA to use Prozac in treating Bulimia does not indicate that it will be effective for everyone!
References:
FDA Clears Prozac as the First Treatment for Bulimia
Elle Magazine, April 1997; HealthNewsletter, by
Susan Blumenthal, MD
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