Posters on bathroom stall doors offer assistance and resources for those suffering from eating disorders, but does it reach students in need? How many students know where to go if they or a friend has an eating disorder?

According to a recent random survey conducted by women's studies students, 70 percent of University Park students do not know of any campus resources that are available for eating disorders.

Brain Lee (senior-business psychology) and five of his classmates surveyed 1,000 students on campus as part of a group action project to raise awareness about eating disorders.

The survey found that most students felt resources to deal with eating disorders were insufficient. Students also felt pressured to live up to an ideal standard of body image.

"The bottom line is people don't know where to go," Lee said.

Forty-eight percent of students surveyed reported having or knowing a person at Penn State with an eating disorder. But more than half -- 64 percent -- of students were satisfied with their weight.

Lee is confident with the results of the survey since he felt many students were willing to fill out the short survey and took their time answering questions.

Could the lack of student knowledge of resources be due to insufficient funds for awareness campaigns?

Linda LaSalle, community health educator at University Health Services (UHS), said a poster campaign was started this year to focus on friends talking to friends suffering from an eating disorder. The posters, which included four designs, two having specific information on where to find help, have been put up around campus, specifically in the residence halls.

"I think we could provide more services, but we are faced with the problems of understaffing and limited funding," LaSalle said.

The funding from the posters came from the Laura R. Whitaker Fund, a private fund created by the family of a former student who suffered from an eating disorder.

"I think that things can always be improved," said Audra Hixson, education and training coordinator at the Center for Women Students. "There are definitely good resources out there and an attempt to educate students about resources and eating disorders."

UHS also provides awareness by meeting with sororities and classes as well sponsoring seminars around campus, which provides understanding of and helping others with eating disorders. But the same problems are faced, limited funding which means limited publicity for events.

Treatment available

Not only does UHS contribute to awareness, but it is also the main treatment facility of eating disorders on campus. Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers psychological treatment and the Nutrition Clinic offers help with dietary needs.

"The first step is the initial appointment where we begin to understand the causes of the disorder and other problems which may add to it," said Mary Anne Knapp, clinical social worker and staff therapist at CAPS. "We also ask about suicide and substance abuse and from there we decide what services make sense for them."

CAPS offers short-term individual sessions or group sessions as well as psychiatric services and referrals for anti-depressants, since a some people with eating disorders also suffer from depression.

While undergoing treatment at CAPS, students are encouraged to participate in nutrition education at the UHS Nutrition Clinic.

"The nutrition clinic offers free nutrition counseling to students by a registered dietitian or experienced nutrition students," said Melissa Martilotta, clinical nutrition instructor. "As far as eating disorders, students must be in therapy to continue the services that the clinic offers. Nutrition counseling is a support for the major psychiatric therapy needed for the treatment of eating disorders."

Knapp said a 2001 Penn State Pulse random selection survey showed 3 percent of students reported having an eating disorder and 30 percent had friends or family they were worried about. National statistics shows 5 to 10 percent of young women and 1 percent of men has an eating disorder.

"We see every year several hundred students, more women than men, who come to CAPS with eating disorders being the presenting problem," Knapp said. "Though women may be a more prevalent group, CAPS offers support to both men and women."

Peer to Peer

There is also a peer group that advocates awareness in the student body.

"PHREE [Peers Helping Reaffirm, Educate and Empower] is a peer-education group with women who are trained on a number of topics such as body image and sex assault," Hixson said. "If a student organization or class wants an informative speaker, PHREE members go out and talk to students. We are always available for students who want more information on eating disorders and other issues."

PHREE is primarily an education group and if a student comes to them with a problem, students are referred to CAPS.

Hixson said support of peers is usually a significant factor in the recovery process.

"Basically I think expressing concern to as friend and just being a supportive person can do a lot," she said. "Friends should give options for help and the available resources on campus, and then continue support through what their friends decide, no matter how long it takes."

Hixson said PHREE discusses with students the different types of disorders. Eating disorders are an extreme expression of weight, food and body issues. Hixson also said disorders stem from a variety of causes and usually result from a combination of sources.