IADMS New York 2002   [back to the Category]

Recognizing Eating Disorders   [read the french version]

Author :   Beth Glace, MS

Recognizing Eating Disorders

Beth Glace, MS
Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma
New York, New York, USA



This workshop is designed as a practical guide for anyone working with dancers: dance teachers, physical therapists, nutritionists, or MD’s. The DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa and bulimia will be reviewed, however, a pragmatic examination of identifying behaviors and physical changes in eating disordered individuals will be the primary focus.

The family and personal dynamics often associated with pathologic eating will be discussed, as well as the underlying emotional issues and coping mechanisms. The workshop will cover the medical consequences of starvation and vomiting, as a means of recognizing the physical changes that occur and to provide the professional with a basis for intervention. While it must be recognized that success in many dance disciplines does require leanness, some athletes have naturally “anorectic-like” physiques while other dancers may have bodies less genetically suitable.

Determining minimal acceptable body weights or size will be reviewed as well as the steps of intervention to be attempted if a dancer is suspected to be eating in a disordered fashion.