Author: frivvy89
Part of this mess stems from a lack of research and resources, specifically regarding what constitutes effective eating disorder treatment, according to Pavani Rangachari, PhD, CPH, a professor of health care administration and public health at the University of New Haven. As a result, she says, “insurance companies often refrain from providing full comprehensive coverage.” Insurance companies tend to treat eating disorders as acute illnesses that can be remedied in weeks rather than chronic ones that require years of treatment, says Eyre. Plus, there’s “a fundamental distrust” between eating disorder treatment centers and insurance companies, making the latter wary of approving coverage…
By, Shannon Braasch, MA Director of Business Development & Alumni Services This year’s theme for Eating Disorders Awareness Week is, “It’s Time for Change.” Creating change for eating disorders is an ongoing journey, but change is not easy, it can feel scary and uncomfortable. We must be vulnerable to the discomfort and be willing to take action for change, because without change there is no growth. It is important to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight and small actions can eventually add up to big change. There is a quote by Rupi Kaur “The road to changing the world Is…
The popularity around weight loss drugs like Ozempic is worrying eating disorder experts, who say the conversation risks making recovery harder and could put others at risk of developing disorders.”My fear is that there is now a belief that anyone can and should achieve a certain body shape and size with the help of these medications, so there’s going to be an even greater drive towards a certain body type,” said Tracy Richmond, director of the eating disorder program at Boston Children’s Hospital.Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro were originally developed and FDA approved to treat people with Type 2 diabetes.…
Jump ToThe American Psychiatric Association (APA) has released new guidelines for the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of care and outcomes for those with eating disorders by enhancing both assessment and treatment approaches.¹The new guideline, released in February 2023, replaces the last-issued 2006 version.Catherine Crone, MD, chair of the guideline writing group, said in a press statement, “Eating disorders often are unrecognized and untreated. This guideline and supplementary resources are intended to serve as a practical tool for clinicians, to help with screening, diagnosis, and providing evidence-based treatment for eating disorders.”¹The guideline…
Reading Time: 6 minutes Research, countless studies and tests have proven it over and over again. Highly restrictive dieting does not work. Dieting is potentially dangerous. In fact, only 5% of people on a restrictive diet actually keep the weight off. These are near-impossible odds. Yet somehow the diet and weight loss industry has grown to be valued at $71 billion. An alarming figure considering that many diets can often do more harm than good; causing physiological and psychological dangers that could lead to eating disorders, organ failure, and potentially heart disease. It may be tempting to try paleo, fasting,…
Reading Time: 7 minutes Anorexia and bulimia are two terms that get thrown around like they’re one and the same. The lack of knowledge about these two eating disorders has led to many people being misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or unaware of how unrealistic their perceptions of body image really are. We want to help clear up the confusion, bringing to light what really distinguishes bulimia nervosa from anorexia nervosa, so that more people can get the effective, accurate treatment they deserve. Keep scrolling to learn the 4 key differences between these eating disorders. What is Anorexia? Anorexia nervosa is an eating…
A Talk with CFD Alumnus Rach McPherson: Fighting Diet Culture One Ice Cream Scoop at a Time Center for Discovery is grateful to have had the opportunity to talk with Rach McPherson, former patient at CFD Palm Beach. She currently works in an ice cream shop, encouraging customers to enjoy ice cream by fighting against the diet-culture comments they say. In this work, Rach is directly confronting situations surrounding food that may have previously made her anxious, which is known as exposure & response prevention therapy (ERP). Her story and message for others struggling with an eating disorder is inspiring.…
Diet culture is pervasive in every level of American life. Judgments about weight and body type are present in television, print media, social media, school and university culture, and even the medical industry. In fact, according to Global News Wire, the weight loss industry in the United States was worth approximately $58 billion. With so much emphasis on one’s outward appearance, it makes sense so many individuals struggle with the psychological fallout from exposure to diet culture. These psychological and psychiatric struggles often relate to a person’s body weight, body shape, negative body image, and mental health. In a society…
Social support is often identified as a key component of solid relationships and strong psychological health, but what exactly does it mean? Essentially, social support involves having a network of family and friends that you can turn to in times of need. Whether you are facing a personal crisis and need immediate assistance, or you just want to spend time with people who care about you, these relationships play a critical role in how you function in your day-to-day life. It is social support that builds people up during times of stress and often gives them the strength to carry…
Seattle Children’s Eating Disorders Recovery Program diagnoses and treats children and teens with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders. In this edition of On the Pulse, 19-year-old Emme shares her personal experience at Seattle Children’s – from diagnosis to ongoing recovery, and the lessons learned along the way. [Content Warning: The following article describes a patient’s journey with an eating disorder and may be difficult for some to read. We encourage readers to prioritize their own mental and emotional needs in reading this story. Resources have been provided following the article.] Unprepared for the sudden emotions that Dr. Yolanda Evans’ words would evoke,…