New Study Presented at iaedp Symposium 2012 Examines “Bigorexia,” Introduces First Assessment Tool for Males with Eating Disorders

One in three men sacrifice their life span for the “ideal” body

PEKIN, ILL. (Jan. 17, 2012) -- A new study reveals a staggering one out of three men would sacrifice a year of life to achieve their ideal body weight or shape. This statistic is a jarring revelation in a category previously accustomed to treating eating disorders as a traditionally female issue. Acknowledging this quiet and unrealistic quest for perfection, the iaedp Foundation presents at Symposium 2012 “Eating Disorders Assessment for Men: Exploring Gender Differences and Introducing the First Male Specific Diagnostic Instrument,” presented by Ray Lemberg, Ph.D., and Stevie Stanford, Ph.D., on Thursday, March 22 in Charleston, S.C.

The presentation introduces the Eating Disorder Assessment for Men (EDAM), the first assessment tool developed for and tested on males with eating disorders. This introduction entails an overview and discussion of diagnostic action for male specific examination and treatment. Historically considered a female issue, the presenters will trace its history to better understand the rate of incidence increase of 250 percent in the past 10 years.

“Men, like women, worry about self-image, especially how they present that image to the world. For men, that worry manifests itself in perceived loss of social standing, emasculation and deteriorated confidence,” said Bonnie Harken, managing director at The iaedp Foundation. “This presentation removes the mask of male well-being and focuses on providing assistance for an increasingly difficult diagnosis.”

Discussing socio-cultural factors such as unrealistic body image issues and hard-driven media influence that have perpetuated eating disorders in males, the presenters will delve into the topics of muscle dysmorphic disorder, also known as “Bigorexia,” gender differences in presentation of eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction between males and females. Both Dr. Lemberg and Dr. Stanford will also present on issues shown to be risk factors to men: specific sports involvement, sexual abuse, history of weight issues, sexual orientation and co-morbidity with other disorders and addictions.

According to the study, men are consumed with an idealized image, minimal body fat and large amount of muscle, which can directly affect self-esteem and behavior. With confused perceptions of masculinity, most concerning is the possibility that men may be less emotionally equipped to address this traditionally female concern. Eating disorder professionals have spent years effectively diagnosing and treating women, but now evidence supports that society’s emphasis on idealized images places men in real harm of devastating physical and mental health consequences.

To register for Symposium 2012, visit www.iaedp.com.

About iaedp:

Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.
iaedp is excited about Charleston as the site for iaedp Symposium 2012! Enjoy this incredible city during its Historic Home and Garden Week while experiencing the conference many of our attendees call "the best eating disorder conference" in the field. For more information, visit: International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.

Contact: Susie Lomelino/Sarah Drew
slomelino@calisepartners.com/publicrelations@calisepartners.com
214.269.2092/214.269.2087

The iaedp Foundation
501 Elm St, ste 500
Dallas, TX 75202

This release was published on openPR.