Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2003: Look for PBS Documentary

The National Eating Disorders Association is working with the Public Broadcast System (PBS) and television station KCTS Seattle to promote a new documentary film addressing eating disorders in the family. The film will be one highlight of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2003, from February 23-March 2.

The film, “Perfect Illusions: Eating Disorders and the Family,” will air at 10:00 pm (EST) on February 24 on PBS stations across the country. The film focuses on four families whose lives have been impacted by eating disorders. Viewers will meet 16-year-old Suni, who has recent-onset bulimia nervosa, 26-year-old Marya, who describes her 15-year struggle with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, and 20-year-old Annie, who became bulimic during a bout with clinical depression in high school. A fourth patient, Anna Westin, who developed anorexia nervosa at the age of 17, kept a diary during her battle with anorexia nervosa, but died from a fatal overdose of painkillers at the age of 21. Excerpts from her diary are included in the film.

“Perfect Illusions” goes beyond the women’s experiences to describe the role family issues can play in eating disorders, including pressure to live up to high expectations, and the traumatic impact of eating disorders upon family members. The film also explores the problem of insurance coverage for treatment. Anna’s parents believed their insurance company’s denial of treatment contributed to her death and this led to a landmark settlement against the company. The parents are using their $1 million award to establish a residential treatment center for eating disorders.

2 million persons reached during Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2002

The major element of Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a nationwide screening and education program, aimed at educating students, parents, and teachers about eating disorders. Last year, more than 500 Eating Disorders Awareness Week coordinators helped reach more than 2 million people across the country, including elementary, middle school, high school, and college students, as well as parents and teachers. In addition to the documentary film, the National Eating Disorders Organization will provide an online chat room for coordinators to share ideas and information, an educational video, new handouts, presentations, and promotional materials.