Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder. Anorexia and bulimia tend to strike mostly females who have certain personality characteristics which make them more vulnerable to these disorders. These traits include: perfectionism, harm avoidance, and obsessionality. Research is being done to identify the genetic underpinnings of these deadly disorders. Treatment involves learning to eat normal meals, reducing anxiety through cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, developing new coping strategies, and challenging distorted beliefs about food, body weight, and self-worth. For teens with eating disorders, family therapy is essential. Parents can learn how to support their adolescent's recovery process.

As a university based program, we provide state of the art treatments based on research and new understandings of eating disorders. Genetic vulnerabilities to anxiety, obsessive and perfectionistic traits predispose individuals to develop eating disorders. These traits can be modified through new coping strategies, to allow these traits to become assets rather than liabilities.

Our staff consists of experienced professionals who specialize in eating disorder treatment and research. This university-based program offers the assurance of scientifically-based treatments delivered in a warm and caring environment.