Uncovering the Mystery of Eating Disorders and Addictions

Wandler, Kevin R.

Thursday, March 22, 2012: 2:00 PM-3:30 PM

Opal Two (The Charleston Marriott)

It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of patients with an eating disorder also abuse or misuse substances. In addition to cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, and caffeine, nearly a third are misusing over the counter medications such as diuretics, laxatives and diet pills. This workshop will address this complicated treatment issue.

Uncovering the Mystery of Eating Disorders and Addictions

Kevin Wandler, MD, Elizabeth Dizney PsyD

I. Substance Use Disorders

a. Substance Dependence-DSM-IV

b. Substance Abuse-DSM-IV

c. Prevalence/ Demographics

II. Eating Disorders

a. Anorexia-DSM-IV

b. Bulimia-DSM-IV

c. EDNOS--Binge Eating-DSM-IV

d. Prevalence/ Demographics

III. Co-Occurring Disorders

a. Depression

b. Anxiety

IV. Drugs of Abuse

a. Illicit

i. Alcohol

ii. Cocaine/ stimulants

iii. Nicotine

iv. Caffeine

b. Drugs used for weight manipulation

i. Laxatives

ii. Diuretics

iii. Diet pills

iv. IPECAC

V. Assessment

a. Screening Tools

b. Medical evaluation

c. Psychological Testing

VI. Treatment of the “Dual-Diagnosis” Patient

a. Motivational Interviewing

b. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

c. Exposure Response Prevention (ERP

Although most eating disorder treatment centers do not look at the diagnosis of an eating disorder as an “addiction”, there is a medical basis for concluding that eating disorders’ binge/purge and restricting behaviors have “addiction” qualities. Females with an eating disorder have an eight times greater use of substances than the general population, and there is a five times greater prevalence of eating disorders in the substance use population. Addictive drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines must be addressed immediately or concurrently with eating disorders treatment. In addition, many eating disorder patients become “addicted” to over the counter and prescription substances to manipulate their weight. These substances include diuretics, laxatives, appetite suppressants/diet pills, and other products that advertise weight reduction and fat burning properties. Those attending this workshop will learn how to diagnose and manage patients with both an Eating Disorder and Substance Use Disorder.

Primary Presenter:

Kevin R. Wandler, MD

Kevin Wandler, M.D. recently took a position at the University of Florida as an assistant professor and the Chief of Eating Disorders. Dr. Wandler specializes in the treatment of women and adolescents with eating disorders and co-occurring conditions. Previously, he had served as the medical director of Remuda Ranch Treatment Programs for 16 years. Dr Wandler is Board Certified in Psychiatry; has added qualification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Addiction Medicine; has certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is CEDS certified. Dr. Wandler presents frequently at national eating disorder and chemical dependency conferences.

Co-Presenter:

Elizabeth P. Dizney, PsyD

Dr. Elizabeth Dizney is the Program Director for the Eating Disorder Recovery Center at the University of Florida. She specializes in the treatment and assessment of disordered eating. During her career as a licensed clinical psychologist, she has specialized in the treatment of individuals in residential and outpatient settings. She has significant experience providing psychological care to both adolescents and adults, and recognizes the importance of family involvement in clinical care. Her primary clinical approach is to assist patients in regaining control of their lives and strengthen their ability to handle distress without losing control and acting destructively.

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