Eating Disorders Food for Thought

Target audience and instructional level of this course: foundational

There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support related to this CE program.

Course Description

This course reviews and provides updated information on eating disorders and their treatment. Disorders covered include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders. It provides an overview of eating disorders, incidence rates, and their course, and then provides in-depth information on the specific disorders. Gender issues and demographics are discussed. The treatment section distinguishes between the typical needs of the primary eating disorders, and provides a case example that demonstrates the conceptualization and flow of an approach using EMDR and ego state psychotherapy. The course provides much detail on psychosocial factors associated with the eating disorders derived from sources including a major metastudy. These include factors such as mood, cognitions, coping and defenses, substance use and abuse, personality factors, and other areas. The course offers details on sociocultural factors that figure in eating disorders.

Learning Objectives

After completing this training the professional will be able to:

• Identify and understand the psychological and physical components of an eating disorder.
• Know the prevalence of disordered eating and the primary eating disorders.
• Understand the causes as they are currently understood from psychological, biological, and sociocultural perspectives.
• Understand the risks of relapse and medical complications including death posed by eating disorders.
• Assess for and recognize the differences between eating disorders.
• Understand the range that spans disordered eating and more severe disorders.
• Recognize eating disorders in men and boys, and know about the incidence in males.
• Know what factors are most associated with eating disorders, including mood disorders, trauma, and personality factors.
• Understand key treatment aspects of eating disorders, including trauma. Know what aspects of treatment are most supported by research.
• Know what comorbidities may require treatment or medical attention.

Author(s)/Reference(s)

Robert A. Yourell Robert A. Yourell, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist who has been in the mental health field from the mid 1970's. In addition to his practice, he provides audio recordings for advanced stress management and EMDR-inspired processes such as Up Level, a bilateral sound. He developed a system to self-help that integrates concepts from mindfulness meditation, EMDR, CBT, and somatic therapies called Shimmering. He contributes to and edits books pertaining to psychology. He provides entertaining, thought-provoking presentations in areas such as advanced stress management, brain injury recovery, understanding difficult behavior, and preparing for challenging situations. His websites are is www.Yourell.com and www.PsychInnovations.com.