http://www.nimh.nih.gov/studies/studies_ct.cfm?id=7

Some interesting studies are going on to determine causes and potential treatments for eating disorders. Wouldn't it be great if the study for using antibiotics will help reduce binge eating?

The link for the national institute of mental health also has information on eating disorders.

"This study will determine the effectiveness of the antibiotic erythromycin in enhancing gastrointestinal function and decreasing the frequency of binge eating in people with bulimia nervosa"

Wow, now this is interesting. I've never heard of a correlation between gastrointestinal function and bulimia. Anyone know anything about this?

Hmmmm, I'd love to partake, but they are all too far away from me I've actually heard of them testing an anti-nausea pill used in cancer patients for bulimics to actually reduce the urge to throw up.

I was wondering if they are going to give them psychological counseling while they are participating in the trial. I would be up for taking a pill to help with the eating disorder, BUT I definitely want to get the psychiatric help I need because it still will be there even if I'm taking a pill.

That's really intriguing, Elizabeth.

Harpo, I agree... psychological support is vital. I mean, were there "this many" people with eating disorders 100 year ago? There's got to be a co-relation between eating disorders and our current society/life-style.

Percentage-wise, yeah, there probably were this many people with ED's a hundred years ago - remember those waspy waist dresses? But, like child abuse, incest, psychopathic behavior, drug/alchohol addiction, etc, these thing just weren't to be mentioned. Today it seems much more prevalent because people are willing and able to talk about it. IMHO, that is...

-Lala

You're right, Lala. I forgot about the whole Victorian era thing. They could have used some counselling, too.

yes i agree willingness to talk is a factor. but in some ways we're very obsessed with enlightenment and achievement and so many things that it must create pressure. depression has increased 10 fold in the last 2 generations

will be interesting to follow studies and results..

That's very true, Sweet_Pea.
I guess I'm thinking of those of us who are quick to "take a pill" if we think it'll help. Without any willingness to understand our real mental and physical needs. After all, most depression is "learned".
That might sound hypocritical coming from someone who takes meds for depression.
On the one hand, I have people (even friends. ) telling me I should be able to "pull myself together" and get off the meds. Despite the fact that my depression is completely debilitating. Without medication, I'm endangering myself and others. Yes, I'd love to be "all natural" and med-free, but when it gets to the point where my DH has to physically lift me into the car to get me to the hospital because I'm in danger of hurting myself, I'm not willing to take the chance of being med-free. Certainly not while I have small children.
And then I know people who are taking meds simply because they're "not happy". I don't mean to sound judgemental... not at all. But for me, therapy has been a god-send.

Society factors largely in depression. We're chronically stressed, and often define ourselves materialistically and with a desire to achieve perfection. We're so busy, we don't even have TIME to think!
Through therapy, I've learned what might seem to some to be the most basic life-skills. Being aware of the warning signs of an impending bout of depression. Good communication skills. The ability to take the time to listen to and assess my own feelings. And identifying and coming to terms with my "life-traps". (failure, abandonment, emotional deprivation, unrelenting standards, etc)
And I have to admit, that as someone who has been a nurturer all my darned life, when I first started therapy, it was very difficult for me. I couldn't get my head around the fact that 50 minutes every week would be "all about me". What a dream!

There are no easy answers. Those of us who intellectualize everything have it rough. My husband works in the mental health field. He's never been depressed in his life... he's a "doer", not a "thinker". And I don't mean he's shallow or mentally inferior, by any means.
He knows that getting my butt of the couch and going for a run will make me feel better. That going for a walk in the park with the family is better for my mental health than curling up in bed with a box of kleenex. He seems to instinctively know what's right for him, and I envy him that ability. I know that stuff, too, but I'd rather just sit around and think about it.
Too much thinking and not enough doing, Ellis!!

Well, that was a freakin' long post. Don't you wish I'd just shut up sometimes? That was like therapy for me... no one has to agree with me about anything. I just like to "type it all out of my system".

I forgot to mention that I think many of us (myself included) are spiritually deprived (whatever that may mean for you). But I'll stop typing now...

Oh, and one more thing.
There's a good article here if anyone is interested...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/st...159056,00.html

i LOVE that article. i might print it out. i'm a psychologist. i don't counsel people (hate that) but i do spend a lot of time researching trends and looking for solutions to our prozac society.

Great article! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the excellent insight Ellis! I can relate to you regarding the over thinking! I am very, very, very analytical (notice what that word starts off with?) and can think anything to DEATH!

My dh is the SAME way as your dh....very much a "doer" and not a "thinker". He is not mentally inferior either (he has more advanced degrees than anyone I know, MD, PhD, etc.) But he doesn't "dwell" on things. He just gets up and does things. He has SO much energy! Yesterday, for example, he ran 3 miles on the treadmill, worked out with major weights for about 2 hours, did 2 hours of heavy yard work, THEN played over 2 hours of very active tennis!!! In between these activities he also washed his car and did a few hours of research! I was exhausted just watching him!

So, I guess the point is to move more, think less!!!

I'm glad you enjoyed it, too!

Sweet_Pea, my husband (he works in the mental health field) asked me to ask you... can psychologists prescribe meds in New Zealand? They can't here in Canada.

Reminds me of people who want a "magic" weight loss pill. Sure, the pill may help you lose weight in the short term, but without understanding how to properly eat and exercise it will not last.

Ah, yes... analytical. I never thought of it that way, Elizabeth, but I certainly will from now on.
Sounds like you and I are married to the right kind of guys, eh?

Wow. These articles are really fascinating.

I do tend to think of binge eating in psychological rather than physical terms, but who's to say that this is the case 100% of the time? The antibiotic correlation is pretty much fascinating.

For me, I do feel psychological worries/needs/concerns popping up right before a binge. I have often wished there were a pill for it...but I haven't found that pill yet. So...I just keep marchin' on with my soul searching...looking for "the" answer...