The female athlete syndrome. Anorexia nervosa--reflections on a personal journey.

Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness. This devastating illness and related eating disorders may have long-term effects on bone health. Young women who are high-achieving students and competitive athletes are at increased risk for these disorders, which may go unrecognized in the early stages. My daughter and I share our respective reflections of her insidious descent into the dark world of anorexia nervosa and her journey back to us.