Barriers to care in eating disorders: How to combat eating disorder stigmatization?

Abstract

Although research indicates that early detection and intervention positively impacts treatment outcome in eating disorders, a considerable percentage of individuals with an eating disorder do not receive help. Limited access to care is multifaceted and determined by several factors including personal, social, clinical and financial barriers. One such factor that impedes treatment access, utilization and adherence is the stigma experienced by individuals affected by eating disorders. Stigmatizing attitudes towards eating disorders are associated with less helping behavior and empathy from others, selfstigmatization like feelings of shame and embarrassment in sufferers and increased expectations of discrimination. Improving mental health literacy, which is defined as the ability to recognize the symptoms of an illness, the knowledge of its causes and the beliefs that promote recognition and help seeking behaviors is one way to combat eating disorder stigmatization and thus to increase access to care in eating disorders. The aim of this chapter is to summarize reported barriers to care across the spectrum of eating disorders with a specific focus on eating disorder stigmatization. In addition, the potential of information and communication technologies in disseminating health information and reaching stigmatized populations will be discussed.