Comparing eating disorder characteristics and treatment in self-identified competitive athletes and non-athletes from the National Eating Disorders Association online screening tool.
Rachael E FlattLaura M ThorntonEllen E Fitzsimmons-CraftKatherine N BalantekinLauren SmolarClaire MyskoDenise E WilfleyCraig Barr TaylorJ D DeFreeseAnna M Bardone-ConeCynthia M BulikPublished in: The International journal of eating disorders (2020)
Although the distribution of probable ED diagnoses was similar in athletes and non-athletes, symptom profiles related to disordered eating behavior engagement and frequency may differ. Athletes may be less likely to seek treatment due to stigma, accessibility, and sport-specific barriers. Future work should directly connect survey respondents to tailored treatment tools and increase motivation to seek treatment.