Background: The Gut Brain Axis is gaining recognition as an important intersection between Neurology and Gastroenterology that requires further exploration and consideration in treating GI symptoms. Most Eating Disorder patients struggle with some degree of GI symptoms. How the Gut Brain Axis relates to eating disorders is still an emerging area. This talk will seek to provide some basic education re: the gut brain axis. We will then explore how it relates to various eating disorder presentations. Finally, we will explore how this information can be clinically applied to expand our approach to eating disorder treatment.
Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1. Identify 3 components of the gut brain axis. 2. List 5 common eating disorder symptoms that may be related to the gut brain axis. 3. Explain 3 tips you can use to educate your eating disorder patients who struggle with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Title: The Gut Brain Axis And Eating Disorders- Understanding The Complex Relationship
- Introduction/Opening:
- discuss clinical relevance for topic, why it was chosen and how it can help improve ED treatment
- Gut Brain Axis Overview:
- review neurodevelopment of enteric nervous system,
- discuss environmental and genetic influences on development,
- explain the physiology of the gut-brain axis,
- discuss the overlap between ED anf GI symptoms
- Discuss common GI symptom presentations in ED patients:
- abdominal pain,
- nausea,
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- satiety,
- GERD,
- bloating
- cramping
- discuss how these symptoms are related to the gut-brain axis and can influence ED behaviors
- Treatment Approaches:
- review medical, psychiatric and psychological interventions that may be helpful in addressing the above symptoms
- Case Examples:
- present 3 different patient presentation with co-occuring GI and ED symptoms that complicated diagnosis and treatment
- Question and Answer:
- Conclusion:
Although the impact of the brain on GI function has been recognized since the 19th century, the notion that the GI tract also plays a crucial role in brain function is a newer concept. It stands to reason that the extensive communication pathway between the brain and the gut is a two way street. We will explore the more recent research that addresses how the brain is directly impacted by signals it receives from the GI system. This area of study is especially relevent in the context of eating disorder treatment. If we can focus more clinical attention on how the messages that eating disorder patients receive from their gut influence their eating patterns, we be able to find new ways to decrease their gastrointestinal symptoms and subsequently help them normalize thier eating patterns. This presentation topic directly reflects the IAEDP 2018 Symposium Theme - Focus on Neuroscience:Magic of the Mind and Language of the Body because it addresses the delicate interplay of the mind and body and how the messages they send can fuel eating disorder beahviors.
Dr. Williams is a certified eating disorder specialist. She received her medical training in Family Medicine from the illustrious Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Dr. Williams is a sought after speaker and has given numerous local and national presentations on various eating disorder topics. Dr. Williams spent over 10 years at Remuda Ranch providing exemplary compassionate medical care for the patients she served. She has since branched out to co-found Liberation Center. Dr.Williams is passionate about holistic health and promoting the mission of Liberation Center, to inspire eating disorder freedom and happy, healthy living.