Popular movie actress Brittany Murphy died suddenly on December 20th amidst rumors of drug use and an eating disorder. She was reportedly discovered unconscious in the shower Sunday morning by her mother. The 32-year-old actress died as a result of cardiac arrest, though contributing factors have not yet been determined.

While autopsy findings are pending, many experts believe that it is highly likely that the young actress suffered from an eating disorder, most likely anorexia. This opinion is shared by Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, a clinical psychologist and eating disorder treatment specialist who was consulted by US Weekly magazine.

Dr. Kirschenbaum commented on recent photographs of Murphy: "With the sunken cheeks and skeletal appearance, it suggests the possibility of anorexia. People who are anorexic die ... Starve the body long enough, the body will eventually consume itself.

"Anorexia is perhaps the deadliest of the psychological disorders, and if that applies to Brittany Murphy, it wouldn't be a complete shock. Karen Carpenter was an example of an anorexic, and she died many years ago from a heart attack."

Labels: eating disorder, anorexia

Posted By: Aspen Education Group