Anorexia and Eating Disorders in Teenagers Undertaking Examinations

Students undertaking examinations are seen as being particularly vunerable and at risk of developing eating disorders such as anorexia, bulemia and medical complications associated with eating disorders in general. With the average age for the onset of anorexia is 14 years of age and for bulimia, the average age is between 15 to 17 years of age, teenagers undertaking exams are particularly vunerable at this stressful time in their lives.

Teenagers taking examinations are highly driven and focused and if a student already has an eating disorder, the structure and organization at examination time can lead them to feel their lives are out of control. With eating disorders being most prevalent in the 15 to 40 year age group especially in the female population a stury by the World Health Organization found an increase of eating disorders during stressful times, such as examinations.

Teenagers under extreme stress who have an eating disorder may become suicidal or will die naturally from eating disorders. Teenagers must be monitored by their parents and teachers during stressful times and appropriate intervention should be placed in situ for peple who already suffer from eating disorders during examinations.

It is highly important that a national campaign outlining the dangers of eating disorders during stressful examinations on teenagers is launched in order to raise awareness of eating disorders in general and to highlight the support services and organizations provided for the patients and their families. It is vital that people believe in recovery for themselves and that their family receive help and support as soon as possible.