Background: Presentation will detail the evolution of Orthorexia Nervosa from the musings of a physician in the US to the work by Italian researchers to classify those suffering from the condition. Despite methodological flaws, a burgeoning literature has developed about this condition. The current state of the scholarship in ON will be discussed, particularly best estimates of prevalence, original research by the authors regarding the ability to detect the condition, and whether ON is deserving its own diagnostic entry in such classification systems as the DSM-5. Diagnostic criteria, case studies, the relationship of ON to AFID and treatment will be addressed.
Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to explain the current state of the scholarship in Orthorexia Nervosa and best estimates of prevalence.
2. Participants will be able to explain if ON is deserving its own diagnostic entry in such classification systems as the DSM-5.
3. Participants will be able to identify the diagnostic criteria and the relationship of ON to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
The history of orthorexia nervosa will examined and the role of popular culture. This presentation will detail the evolution of ON from the musings of a physician in the United States to the work by Italian researchers to classify those suffering from the condition. Despite serious methodological flaws, a burgeoning literature has developed about this condition. It has only been recently that ON has come to the attention of mainstream US researchers, largely because of a well-known diet blogger announcing that she had the condition to her thousands of social media followers.
The current state of the scholarship in ON will be discussed, particularly best estimates of prevalence, original research by the authors regarding the ability to detect the condition, and whether ON is deserving its own diagnostic entry in such classification systems as the DSM-5.
Assessment measures of orthorexia nervosa will be reviewed and examined.
Healthy eating vs pathological eating will be discussed along with the stigma of healthy eating.
Finally, diagnostic criteria, case studies, the relationship of ON to Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and treatment will be addressed.
Dr. Dunn is a professor of psychological sciences at the University of Northern Colorado where he studies Orthoreixa Nervosa. Additionally, he is a staff psychologist at Denver Health medical center. Relevant Publications: Bennett, S. L., Dunn, T. M., Lashen, G.T., Grant, J.V., Gaudiani, J.L., Mehler, P.S. (2017). When avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder becomes life threatening: A case report of an adult male patient. Colorado Journal of Psychiatry and Psychology, 2, 23-28. Dunn, T.M. & Bratman, S. (2016). On orthorexia nervosa: A review of the literature and proposed diagnostic criteria. Eating Behaviors, 21, 11-17.
Dr. Hawkins is a licensed psychologist and has provided clinical expertise at Center For Change since 1999 and is currently Director of Clinical Services overseeing all aspects of care. She is a regular presenter on body image and the treatment of eating disorders on a local and national level. Dr. Hawkins developed a comprehensive body image program that focuses on the media, diet industry, plastic surgery, childhood issues, and learning to appreciate one's body. She has been a consultant for magazines and news programs and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Women's Health, Self Magazine and 20/20.
