Background: This presentation will outline similarities and differences in men with eating disorders and body image concerns. We will present relevant history and current research to better understand the complexities of working with male clients and the role of socialization and masculinity scripts in the etiology and maintenance of disordered eating.
Objectives: • Discuss similarities and differences for the main substrates of eating disorders, (i.e. anorexia, bulimia, BED) • Describe the presentation among special populations of men including those with body dysmorphia and men who identify as gay or transgender • List treatment considerations for men with eating disorders
Opening Activity (Men and Photoshopping)
Present video and brainstorm how these relate to changing body ideals for me
I. Eating Disorders: historical view
a. View of EDs as female-only illnesses (Hilde Bruch)
b. Prior DSM criteria of cessation of menses
c. Lack of representation in eating disorder research/ neurobiology
II. Similarities and Differences among men (Epidemiology and Presentation)
a. Prevalence
b. Anorexia
i. The hungry brain
ii. Male cultural expectations
c. Bulimia
d. Body image
i. Male body image
ii. Body Image Distortion
e. Muscle dysmorphia/”gym rats”/steroid abuse (purging through exercise)
f. Binge Eating Disorder
g. Focus on lean muscle, fitness, “Men’s Health Magazine”
III. Special Populations
a. Gay/trans men
b. Role of trauma
IV. Treatment
a. Going without treatment
b. Treatment for males
c. Gender bias
d. Assessment scales for males
V. Masculinity scripts
a. Strong/Silent
b. Tough Guy
c. Playboy
d. Homophobic
e. Winner
f. Independent
g. Responding to men’s masculinity scripts
VI. Cases
a. “Think Tank” on some representative cases
VII. Resources, materials, Q&A
therapists can better understand the psychology of male clients in order to work with them more effectively.
Brian Pollack, LCSW, CEDS, received his Masters of Social Work from NYU and his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University. A board member of the National Association for Males with Eating Disorders, he is the only male in the state of NJ certified as an eating disorder specialist. He has devoted much of his time and practice advocating for treatment and awareness around male eating disorders. As a former Primary Therapist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital's Eating Disorder Program he provided adolescent, adult, and family counseling at all levels of care. He is experienced in co-occuring disorders including substance abuse, mood disorders, and trauma and is a psychotherapist in private practice located in Summit, NJ.
Heidi Dalzell, PsyD, CEDS is a clinical psychologist with 20 years direct eating disorder experience. Dr. Dalzell has a busy private practice specializing in eating disorders and has a particular interest in the intersection between eating disorders and gender. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings. She writes for publications including Kidspeace Healing Magazine. She is also the past coordinator of the Certified Alcohol Counselor Program at Bucks County Community College. As an activist in the area of eating disorders, Dr. Dalzell serves on the board of the Greater Phila. chapter of the International Association for Eating Disorders Professionals.
