Stable Isotope Ratios in Leg Hairs A Better Diagnostic Tool for Eating Disorders

Authors

Stephanie Lindblad, Brigham Young University
Beverly Roeder, Brigham Young University

Keywords

stable isotope, leg hairs, eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders that are extremely harmful and difficult to accurately diagnose. Currently the most frequent methods of diagnosis are subjective interviews and questionnaires. One example of these psychological diagnostic tools is the DSM-IV test, which has some serious problems associated with it. It relies heavily on self-report of patients, which subjects the results to dishonesty. The test is also unable to classify certain patients that do not meet specified characteristics. In addition, the DSM-IV has very limited physiological measures, such as BMI and menstrual status. Thus, the physiological consequences of anorexia and bulimia, including a feedback loop that potentially promotes the disorders, are overlooked. Of equal importance is the fact that DSM-IV provides no parameters for monitoring treatment and recovery1. It is clear that the psychological methods of eating disorder diagnosis are failing to meet the needs of sufferers.

Recommended Citation

Lindblad, Stephanie and Roeder, Beverly (2013) "Stable Isotope Ratios in Leg Hairs A Better Diagnostic Tool for Eating Disorders," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1084.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1084