Thursday, March 22, 2018: 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Congressional (Omni Championsgate)
Background:
Sleep disorders and malnutrition are common among those suffering from eating disorders. Both issues increase risk of suicide in this vulnerable population. Recent research shows sleep disturbances in young adults predict suicidal ideation independent of depression and substance use. This workshop will discuss the high prevalence of sleep disorders and malnutrition among those with eating disorders and their subsequent increase in suicide risk. Research illustrating the benefits of nutritional supplementation to enhance treatment outcomes will be discussed. Early identification of eating disorder signs and prevention strategies are necessary as eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders.
Objectives:
1. Following the training, participants will be able to safely implement an eating disorder treatment protocol utilizing integrative treatments.
2. Following the training, participants will be able to describe the relationship between fatty acid status, brain function, and risk of suicide.
3. Following the training, participants will be able to evaluate eating disorder treatment outcomes.
Despite the severity and pervasiveness of eating disorders, sleep pattern imbalances are common, yet often overlooked. A growing number of research studies have demonstrated nutritional deficiencies, such as tryptophan, zinc, and magnesium associated with sleep disturbances. Emerging research also suggests sleep patterns can influence eating. This is pertinent because about half of all eating disorder patients suffer from sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep and awakening mid-sleep. Among eating disorder patients, poor sleep directly predicts symptom severity. The treatments of sleep disturbances in eating disorders are non-stigmatizing and may represent important steps in a therapeutic model that improves mood. This workshop will explore an integrative treatment approach targeting core nutritional deficiencies associated with disordered sleep.
This presentation will explore the tragic neglect and paucity of research on the high rates of suicide in eating disorder patients. Of all psychiatric illnesses, the risk of suicide is highest among eating disorders. Recent CDC statistics report an overall increase in suicide rates in women and a 200% increase in girls aged 10-14. Those with eating disorders are 4-5 times more likely to die as a result of suicide than as a result of the eating disorder itself or complications arising from it. This presentation will explore a genetic, biological, and psychosocial model for the understanding of suicide in eating disorder patients. Recent research has explored biomedical markers including sleep deprivation, inflammation, and essential fatty acid deficiencies as predictors of suicide. Clinical trials have clearly established the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids, mood disorders, and suicidal behaviors. International studies have demonstrated that low levels of fatty acids are associated with suicide risk and completed suicide. Omega-3 levels not only predicted suicide; omega-3 supplementation decreased symptoms of depression and decreased suicidal thinking by 45%. What’s more, imaging studies on patients with anorexia nervosa have confirmed alterations in myelin fat content. Eating disorder patients have long-term restrictive diets and fat avoidance. The brain is 60% fat and good fats are critical for optimal brain function. It is unsurprising then that eating disorder patients are often deficient in essential fatty acids and that their physical and mental health improves with supplementation. A comprehensive model will be presented including evidence-based research on the multifactorial risk factors for suicide and eating disorders. The goal of the presentation is to present a model of hope and a practical evidence-based anti-suicide strategy for patients of all ages with eating disorders. Active-learner teaching techniques will include case studies and questions.
Primary Presenter:
James Greenblatt, MD
James Greenblatt, M.D., a dually certified adult and child psychiatrist, is the Medical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, MA. His books, Answers to Anorexia and The Breakthrough Depression Solution, draw on his many years of experience and expertise in integrative medicine. He is also the Founder and Medical Director of a private integrative psychiatric practice, Comprehensive Psychiatric Resources, Inc. and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts Medical School.
