Untreated anxiety and depression can enhance the progression of heart disease. See Heart and Mind Articles.
95% of the brain is developed by age 5, but the most advanced parts of the brain aren’t completely developed until the early 20s or later.
50-80% of why eating disorders develop can be traced to genetic factors.
Eating disorders appear to be about food and weight but are much more about fear – of almost everything.
Children who experience anxiety disorders are more susceptible to developing an eating disorder as an adolescent.
In a healthy low-fat diet, women need 60 grams and men need 75 grams of fat per day. See “The F Word” under Eating Disorder Articles.
Eating disorders are biologically-based illnesses just like depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Negative emotions affect blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output. Developing healthy coping improves these important markers of heart health. See Heart and Mind Articles.
Psychological intervention with cardiac patients reduces stress, hostility, anxiety and depression. This decreases the risk of additional cardiac events. See Heart and Mind Articles.
Psychological factors have been linked to heart disease since the 1930s.
9 of the 12 risk factors for heart disease can be changed – all risks other than age, gender and family history can be improved with psychotherapy.
Ever wonder if you or a loved one has depression or anxiety? To take a confidential quiz, go to Assessments.
Many therapists who treat eating disorders have no training. To make sure a therapist is qualified, see “Finding an Eating Disorder Specialist” under Eating Disorder Articles.
An estimated 33% of overweight or obese people in diet programs have Binge Eating Disorder. Dieting often makes compulsive overeating worse, leading to more weight gain.
Laura Gray, MSN, LPC
Specialty: Psychotherapist
Background
Laura received her Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree from UW-Milwaukee in 1986. She worked at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in pediatric oncology and neurology then went into psychiatric care. She has been a charge nurse and a clinical nurse specialist at several local psychiatric hospitals and in 1992 graduated from UW-Madison with a Master of Science (MSN) in psychiatric nursing. Laura then completed the training necessary to provide clinical treatment and since 1992 has been practicing as a psychotherapist.
Upon receiving her MSN, Laura's clinical focus was primarily children and adolescents. She is recognized for her expertise treating children and adolescents with attention, behavior, social, school and emotional challenges, as well as those with eating disorders, depression, anxiety and unplanned pregnancies. She is an experienced family therapist who works with parents, families and couples. Her nursing background gives her a unique perspective working with patients and families dealing with cardiac disease and weight-related illnesses.
Laura has presented to numerous professional groups including educators, guidance counselors and social workers as well as to women's groups, parents and students. She has appeared on television and has been interviewed by Parents Magazine, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Waukesha Freeman as an expert on eating disorders.
"My ability to connect with patients on a genuine, human level is what I strive to do as a therapist. Patients of all ages and backgrounds have often told me they pick up on my openness and sincere empathy for them. It is truly a pleasure to work with kids and families in this way and see them embrace their struggle and become stronger for it. This work is absolutely what I was meant to do."
