Eating Disorders: An Overview of Recent Developments-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In a detailed session, psychiatrist Dr. Evelyn Atiyah from Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine discusses advances and treatment approaches in the field of eating disorders, focusing particularly on anorexia nervosa. She outlines the DSM-5 criteria for various eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), emphasizing recent developments and ongoing clinical and neurobiological research. The discussion encompasses the prevalence and demographic variations in eating disorder presentations, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increasing cases and the role of biological, environmental, and social media influences.<br /><br />Dr. Atiyah addresses treatment frameworks, advocating for behavioral therapy, specifically family-based treatment (FBT) for adolescents, and notes the challenges in treating adults with these disorders. She evaluates both psychological and pharmacological strategies, emphasizing the modest success of medications like fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa and the limited efficacy of pharmacotherapy in anorexia nervosa.<br /><br />The session further explores neurobiological research indicating that habits play a substantial role in the continuation of disorder behaviors, with dopaminergic pathways implicated in anorexia nervosa. This knowledge guides new treatment modalities, including potential neuromodulation interventions and cognitive-behavioral techniques aimed at disrupting these patterns.<br /><br />Dr. Atiyah also discusses the socio-economic costs associated with eating disorders and stresses the importance of early intervention, detailed diagnoses, and the psychological complexities involved in managing these conditions. The session concludes with an emphasis on balanced, individualized treatment plans and the ongoing research efforts to refine therapeutic approaches in treating diverse populations affected by eating disorders.

Keywords

eating disorders

anorexia nervosa

bulimia nervosa

binge eating disorder

ARFID

DSM-5 criteria

Dr. Evelyn Atiyah

family-based treatment

fluoxetine

neurobiological research

dopaminergic pathways

COVID-19 pandemic

social media influences

early intervention

individualized treatment