Today marks the beginning of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. That’s why I’m dedicating this video blog to all of the dietitians (and RDNs to be) who do not specialize in treating eating disorders. Why? I have three reasons:
- Eating disorders are more common than you might think. With prevalence rates of eating disorder symptoms at 10 percent of the U.S. population, it’s quite likely you will interact with someone personally or professionally who is suffering.
- Patients with eating disorders often have co-morbid medical conditions. They may present to you for a separate medical concern and, through proper screening, you may save a person’s life by getting them the treatment they need.
- I want to bring awareness to eating disorders and empower you to interact with this challenging population.
This video will provide you with skills to integrate screening tools for eating disorders into your current assessment, discuss your concern of a possible eating disorder with a patient who does not present with one and develop a referral network to foster the best possible care to patients in your area.
I hope you watch this video and share with other colleagues you think might benefit. For additional resources regarding National Eating Disorders Awareness Week please visit the National Eating Disorders Association Website.