Researchers in the BYU Comprehensive Clinic are conducting a two-year study, hoping to find a treatment for individuals suffering from eating disorders.

Diane Spangler, a clinical psychologist, along with a group of psychology graduate students, are testing two different treatments.

Trained graduate students are conducting therapy sessions with volunteers in order to test these treatments.

"As a therapist, it is so exciting to see how this treatment works," said Kristy Ludwig, a graduate student therapist in this eating disorder study from Boston. "I have seen people come in with so much pain-who have been suffering with eating disorders for so many years and then-I have seen them change."

This study is designed to treat a wide range of eating struggles, not just anorexia and bulimia.

Eating disorders are not easily predicted because symptoms aren't usually noticeable. Those suffering from eating disorders are generally of normal or above normal weight-when help is first needed. Usually those in close contact with someone with an eating disorder won't notice until they are too thin, Spangler said.

Research suggests that about 1 percent of female adolescents have anorexia and 4 percent of college-aged women have bulimia, according to the Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. Web site.

Spangler predicts that between 10 and 40 percent of college students are battling some type of eating disorder. Those most affected are of a higher socio-economic status; students attending competitive universities are also more susceptible.

"Eating disorders are a sad but prominent problem at BYU," said Marianne Gold, a senior from Virginia. "A lot if it stems from the constant comparisons that take place."

Those struggling with an eating disorder and are interested in participating in this study may contact Diane Spangler at (801) 422-6475.

Patients will have an appointment assessing the severity of their eating disorder to decide if they will be included in the study.

Participants of normal or above-normal weight will receive 20 free therapy sessions and those below normal weight will receive 40 free sessions.