Teenagers confront everyday pressures to succeed academically and fit in socially. While most adolescents thrive despite these demands, some take on selfdestructive habits to cope.

"A lot of students at Moorpark High have eating disorders and their parents don't know it," said Coral Levi, a sophomore at Moorpark High School whose observations have led to her concerns about the prevalence of the condition.

Everyone worries about weight from time to time. However, individuals who develop eating disorders go to dangerous extremes to keep from gaining weight.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, foodrelated problems arise from a variety of physical, emotional, social and familial issues that must be addressed for effective prevention and treatment.

Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and even compulsive overeating are all mental illnesses that generally have roots in anxiety and depression, said Susan Richter, a therapist based in Camarillo who is certified to treat eating disorders.

"Of all mental illnesses, anorexia nervosa is the number one cause of death for women," she said. This eating disorder is dangerous because it's characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. People with anorexia are intensely afraid of gaining weight and have a distorted perception of body shape and size. Their avoidance of food can lead to extreme weight loss.

In contrast, people who have bulimia nervosa eat in binges and then compensate with selfinduced vomiting to eliminate the food soon after a meal. Bulimics may also use laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise and intermittent fasting to avoid weight gain.

Bulimia is at least twice as common as anorexia, and the condition has the potential to cause serious health problems in the long term, Richter said.

Triggers for eating disorders can come from stress, fear and the need to be accepted by peers, said Levi. "The stresses of school and just life in general are much more for teenagers than many really believe."

Pressure to fit in with the "popular groups" can also elicit eating disorders. These groups seem perfect on the surface, so kids who want to join or don't want to be kicked out of them may turn to an eating disorder to look the 'right way,' said Levi. "I know I have been tempted to get an eating disorder because of all these things," she said.

Some students even choose to have eating disorders with their friends, almost like a group thing or friendship pact. Girls may offer each other tips on how to resist cravings, and, if they're bulimic, the groups may go to the restroom to throw up together after lunch.

"It sounds like something out of a movie but it's true," said Levi.

For some high school students, eating disorders are almost like a way out. "If you feel bad, it makes you feel better," said Levi's mother, Michelle Bennett, a substitute teacher at Moorpark High School. "They know how to hide it and actually look at each other as if it's something cool to do together," she said.

Most parents assume their children won't have eating disorders, so they don't have the knowledge needed to identify if their kids have one, said Levi.

Anorexic people find all sorts of excuses not to eat. They may say "I ate a big meal earlier" or "I'm not feeling well. My stomach hurts." If those excuses are common there may be a problem, said Levi.

If someone goes to the bathroom after every- or almost every- meal, he or she may be bulimic, Levi said.

Parents who suspect that their child may have an eating disorder can look for obvious clues and symptoms, Richter said. If the child or teenager is preoccupied with his or her looks, concerned about weight, eliminates certain foods from his or her diet and makes self-critical remarks, there might be a problem, she said.

"It would be wise for parents to monitor their own body image and comments toward themselves and each other," Richter said. Teens are vulnerable because their bodies are changing, so parents must not only be observant and listen to their children but also beware of what they say to them and to other people in the household.

"Negative talk about physicality would be predisposing the adolescents to adopt a negative viewpoint of their own body."

The largest percentage of people affected by eating disorders are young females, but men and women of all ages are increasingly impacted as well because more people are trying to cope with overwhelming stress, said Richter.

"Reaching out for help is an important first step towards freedom from the vicious cycle of eatingdisordered behaviors because people need treatment to heal," she said.

A team approach is needed to help individuals and families learn new ways of coping with emotions, conflicts and whatever is causing someone to have an eating disorder, Richter said. A combination of psychotherapy, medical and perhaps even psychiatric care works best. Patients also benefit from the help of a dietician, she said.

In addition to specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, Richter is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist. She sees clients at the New Beginnings Counseling Center in Camarillo and is president of the local International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals chapter.

New Beginnings will sponsor awareness events during National Eating Disorders week in late February. The center also offers free weekly support groups for people who have eating disorders.

For more information, visit www.newbeginningscounseling .net.