Reply #23: Well, she should be recovering before going off to college [View All]

[Nikia]

I am in an eating disorder support group. In the summer, we spent one of our sessions focusing on eating disorders in college. College tends to make things worse, not better for anorexics who go away to college. In some cases, once they have begin treatment, continue outpatient treatment in college, and really want to recovery they can succeed, but even then relapses happen. Colleges have become more aware of eating disorders but often do not want to deal with them. Schools have kicked students out because of their eating disorders or given them ultimatums (You must meet this weight by this date or you are gone.).
If she is planning on going to college next fall, she probably should undergo hospitalization to get the problem under control sooner than later and have an outpatient treatment plan in the community where her college is located. Most schools also allow defered enrollment and it might be a better option than dropping out due to health or grades (low because of health reasons) if she doesn't have it under control by then.
In any situation, the girl needs treatment, especially befoer going to college. Treatment is helpful. Ultimatums are not helpful, especially at this point.