Session: Control of Eating Disorder Symptoms vs. Recovery: The Problem with Evidence Based Treatment with a Chronic Illness. (iaedp™ Symposium 2011: Evidence-Based Treatment and Treatment-Based Evidence)

Thursday, March 3, 2011: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Point Hilton at Squaw Peak

This workshop will discuss the concept of “recovery” and suggest a more holistic approach to addiction recovery. The methodologies used for evidence-based treatments are typically symptom based. Our theoretical base is eating disorder symptoms have been functional in the developmental process, in that they have provided a survival function, and that understanding the multiple functions and purpose of the symptom is requisite for recovery. The symptoms can mask major psychiatric disorder, social anxiety, sexual confusion, and others. Therefore, successful symptom remission could lead to much bigger difficulties including suicide, and such emphasis on “evidence based interventions” could make clients worse.

Evidence based treatment: examples
Treatment effectiveness
Symptom change vs. recovery
What is the “problem”
Co-morbidity and Co-addiction
Outcome measures
“Real” Evidence based treatment

The methodologies used for evidence-based treatments are typically symptom based. Our experience is that Michael Strober’s classical paper showing that eating disorder clients typically take about 7 years to recover suggests that there is far more to the recovery process. Our theoretical base is that eating disorder symptoms have been functional in the developmental process, in that they have provided a survival function, and that understanding the multiple functions and purpose of the symptom is requisite for recovery. The symptoms can mask a major psychiatric disorder, extreme fears of adult responsibility, social anxiety, sexual confusion, trauma memory intrusions, double bind emotional contradictions, fears related to not having the tools to function in a complex society, learned helplessness, unfinished gender identity and self differentiation and many more. Therefore, successful symptom remission could then lead to much bigger difficulties including suicide, and such emphasis on “evidence based interventions” could make the client worse.

This workshop will discuss the concept of “recovery” and suggest a more holistic approach to addiction recovery.

Primary Presenter:

Mark Schwartz, Sc.D.

Mark F. Schwartz, Sc.D. earned his doctorate in Psychology and Mental Health from Johns Hopkins University. He is a licensed psychologist, an adjunct professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Neurology at St. Louis University School of Medicine, and formerly the Executive Director of the Masters and Johnson Institute and Inpatient treatment programs, nationally recognized for their innovative treatment with trauma survivors. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Schwartz has achieved national recognition for his contributions in a variety of clinical areas, including the treatment of intimacy disorders, marital and sexual dysfunction, sexual compulsivity, sexual trauma and eating disorders. He lectures nationally on these topics and has authored numerous articles and book chapters, including the books, Sexual Abuse and Eating Disorders and Gender and Sexuality. Dr. Schwartz is currently on the editorial board of the Journal of Eating Disorders. Currently, Dr. Schwartz is Director of Castlewood Treatment Center for Eating Disorders and Trauma and the Relational and Sexual Therapy Program of Missouri.

Co-Presenter:

Theresa Chesnut, MSW

Theresa initially earned her undergraduate degree in Family Life and Community Services from Kansas State University and later completed her graduate degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Kansas. Theresa has been on staff at Castlewood Treatment Center since 2000 and ahs held various positions: Primary Therapist, Program Director, and Marketing Director. Theresa has also been on staff for the Menninger Clinic and she has over 15 years experience in lecturing on college campuses and to psychiatric professionals about the signs, symptoms and prevention of eating disorders. Currently, her area of research, focus and lecturing is on the recovery process and various intervention strategies as well as providing In-services for elite athletes, coaches and trainers.

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