Study: Self-portrait may reveal eating disorders among teenage girls

By Staff Writer

Some parents question whether their teenage daughters are suffering from eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia and bulimia, but they have trouble broaching the sensitive subject with their children.

However, a new study concludes that a simple and non-intrusive drawing assessment can reveal if a female subject is suffering from an ED. The report, which appears in the journal The Arts in Psychotherapy, was conduced by researchers from the University of Haifa.

The team of experts examined 76 women - 36 of whom had been diagnosed with EDs and 20 who did not have the condition. The participants completed two questionnaires and then drew a picture of themselves with no guidelines or limitations. Researchers found that the drawings from women suffering from EDs contained prominently different characteristics than healthy participants.

Among the major differences, women who had anorexia or bulimia tended to draw themselves with a larger neck, a disconnected neck or no neck at all. In addition, the mouth was emphasized more, thighs were wider and feet were disconnected or missing in the pictures that were completed by participants with EDs.

Due to the fact that many teens who struggle with these life-threatening conditions hide their disorder from loved ones, the self-drawing technique may help parents and medical officials diagnose EDs.

Children who have low self-esteem may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, which aim to help instill confidence in troubled teens.