Chapter 20

Prevalence of Eating Disorders

Higher in athletes, especially females, and in sports emphasizing leanness.

Anorexia

extreme control, denial of the disorder, underweight, fear of obesity, and disturbed body image.

Bulimia

binge-purge cycle, awareness of the disorder, depressed mood, self-deprecation, and fear of losing control over eating.

Bulimia Characteristics

self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, strict dieting or vigorous exercise to prevent weight gain, averaging two binge-eating episodes a week for three months.

Predisposing Factors for Eating Disorders

Weight standards and restrictions, coach/peer pressure, performance demands, sociocultural factors, judging criteria, critical comments about weight, genetics

Substance Abuse and Addiction

Continued use of substances despite problems; differs from addiction, which involves craving and compulsion to use.

Alcohol Use in Athletes

Reported at 92% among high school athletes and 88% among college athletes.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Athletes

Reported use is 5% among high school and college athletes, 40-60% among elite athletes.

Physical Reasons for Drug Use

enhance performance, rehabilitate injury, look better, control appetite, and lose weight.

Types of Performance-Enhancing Drugs

stimulants, narcotics, anabolic steroids, beta-blockers, diuretics, and peptide hormones.

Exercise Addiction

Psychological dependence on exercise with withdrawal symptoms if not exercised, characterized by a compulsive need to maintain an exercise schedule.

Compulsive Gambling

High in NCAA Division I football and basketball athletes and high school students

Psychological Reasons for Drug Use

escape from unpleasant emotions or stress, build confidence , and seek thrills.