Understanding Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Approach for Health Care Professionals

Webinar Overview

This presentation is designed to provide medical professionals with an understanding of eating disorders, including key diagnostic criteria, co-morbid conditions, effective screening strategies, and the levels of care required for treatment. We will explore the most common eating disorders, their psychological and physical impacts, and best practices for identifying at-risk patients early. Special focus will be given to the importance of recognizing eating disorders in normal or higher weighted individuals and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in managing these complex conditions.

Key Topics:

1. Overview of Eating Disorders
   1. A brief introduction to the most common eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
   2. Understanding the physical and psychological symptoms that define these disorders.
   3. The impact of eating disorders on both short-term and long-term health.
2. Differential Diagnosis and Comorbid Disorders
   1. How to distinguish between different types of eating disorders.
   2. Co-morbid conditions often associated with eating disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and OCD.
3. Screening Questions for Early Identification
   1. Effective, evidence-based screening questions to ask patients during medical visits.
   2. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, even when patients may be reluctant to disclose them.
   3. Guidelines for initiating a more thorough assessments when patients screen positive for an ED.
4. Levels of Care and Treatment Pathways
   1. An overview of the different levels of care: outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and inpatient treatment.
   2. When to refer to specialized eating disorder treatment centers.
   3. The importance of collaborative care teams involving mental health professionals, dietitians, and medical specialists.

By the end of this session, participants will have an enhanced understanding of the critical role medical professionals play in early identification, appropriate referral, and ongoing care of patients with eating disorders, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Who Should Attend

• Psychologists
• Physician Assistants
• Nurses
• Primary Care Physicians
• Specialty Physicians
• Others

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify Early Warning Signs – This talk will provide pediatricians with the knowledge to recognize early symptoms of eating disorders in children and adolescents.
• Enhance Screening & Diagnosis – This talk will provide tools and strategies for effective screening, diagnosis, and referral to specialized care.
• Support Patients & Families – This talk will guide pediatricians on how to approach conversations with patients and families, offer initial interventions, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care.