Background: This workshop is designed as an introductory course in eating disorders. Symptom manifestation and presentation in conjunction with diagnostic criteria will be presented. Factors that contribute to the development of an eating disorder such as neurobiological findings, genetic influences, and bio-psychosocial implications will be covered.
Overview of eating disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Diagnostic criteria
Health risks
Symptom profile
Etiology – bio-psycho-social-spiritual
Treatment
Bulimia Nervosa
Diagnostic criteria
Health risks
Symptom profile
Etiology
Treatment
BED
Diagnostic criteria
Health risks
Symptom profile
Etiology
Treatment
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Diagnostic criteria
Health Risks
Symptom Profile
Etiology
Treatment
Other specified feeding and eating disorders
Diagnostic criteria
Other unspecified feeding and eating disorder
Diagnostic criteria
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION – suicidality
Assessments
Key components to assessments
The understanding and practice related to Eating Disorders has become increasingly more complicated. Recent research has indicated that the development and maintenance of an eating disorder is attributable to a variety of influences. We now know that there is a strong genetic component that dictates different temperaments and brain functions that renders an individual more vulnerable to the development of an eating disorder. We also know that there are many neurobiological variables that greatly influence behaviors and traits that also influence the development and maintenance of different eating disorders. Although the issue of family involvement remains controversial, there is no doubt that families, in conjunction with other cultural influences, play a role of varying degrees. Co-Morbid conditions such as Trauma, Mood Disorders, Substance Dependence and Abuse, and Personality traits and disorders are present in many Eating Disorder Women and serve to complicate symptom profiles, treatment, and treatment outcomes. As clinicians we are continually faced with the challenge of working with a more acute patient population. A basic understanding of the diagnostics and function of an eating disorder is vital for the best possible treatment outcome.
Carolyn Jones has worked in the mental health field specializing in the treatment of eating disorders and mental health issues, both as a psychotherapist and nurse, for 24 years. Carolyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Registered Nurse and currently works as primary therapist at Eating Recovery Center (ERC) in San Antonio. She developed an outpatient eating disorder program in Wyoming and recently developed the nursing department at Eating Recovery Center as Director of Nursing. She is both a CEDS and CEDRN, serving as 2015 president, Denver Metro Chapter, is an Approved Supervisor and sits on the National Certification Committee.
