Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Athletes and Eating Disorders Webinar: June 22, 2011
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Case for Inpatient Treatment of Eating Disorders
by Dr. Yong Lee, Director of Psychiatric Services at Remuda Ranch
As a psychiatrist in private practice in the community, I enjoyed engaging with my patients in problem solving. I would tell them it is a brave first step to take. You could have continued living with your problem, but you were brave enough to see that you couldn’t do it on your own. Getting better is a collaborative process. Let’s work together to find a solution to what’s bringing you in. I loved what I did. It gave me enormous satisfaction when my patients were able to overcome their depression, stabilize their panic attacks, stop their drinking, get back to work, reconcile with their spouse. Now this approach works in most clinical situations, but my patients with eating disorders were definitely a special population.
In an ideal world, we as behavioral health providers, dietitians, physicians, therapists, and counselors—all want to do what’s best for our patients, and it frustrates us when we can’t meet their needs. I’m a firm believer of practicing what you preach. If our patients are seeking help for a problem that they cannot overcome, I think there is no shame when we have to admit that are patients are not doing well in an outpatient basis and that we need help. Eating disorders, at least in my experience, cannot be well managed in isolation; it usually requires a team approach, usually involving a therapist, dietitian, primary care provider, and possibly a psychiatric provider, such as myself. A team approach is what attracted me to working at Remuda Ranch as an inpatient psychiatrist.
What I recognized, after years of practice, was when a behavior is life threatening, the priority needs to be to do whatever it takes to stop the behavior. This may involve removing the patient from factors that maybe fueling the behavior, which may include peers, school, work, and even family. This may be incredibly painful and disruptive, but the ultimate goal is to disrupt the eating disorder, not school, work, or family life. These are all good things the eating disorder threatens to destroy...finish article
As a psychiatrist in private practice in the community, I enjoyed engaging with my patients in problem solving. I would tell them it is a brave first step to take. You could have continued living with your problem, but you were brave enough to see that you couldn’t do it on your own. Getting better is a collaborative process. Let’s work together to find a solution to what’s bringing you in. I loved what I did. It gave me enormous satisfaction when my patients were able to overcome their depression, stabilize their panic attacks, stop their drinking, get back to work, reconcile with their spouse. Now this approach works in most clinical situations, but my patients with eating disorders were definitely a special population.
In an ideal world, we as behavioral health providers, dietitians, physicians, therapists, and counselors—all want to do what’s best for our patients, and it frustrates us when we can’t meet their needs. I’m a firm believer of practicing what you preach. If our patients are seeking help for a problem that they cannot overcome, I think there is no shame when we have to admit that are patients are not doing well in an outpatient basis and that we need help. Eating disorders, at least in my experience, cannot be well managed in isolation; it usually requires a team approach, usually involving a therapist, dietitian, primary care provider, and possibly a psychiatric provider, such as myself. A team approach is what attracted me to working at Remuda Ranch as an inpatient psychiatrist.
What I recognized, after years of practice, was when a behavior is life threatening, the priority needs to be to do whatever it takes to stop the behavior. This may involve removing the patient from factors that maybe fueling the behavior, which may include peers, school, work, and even family. This may be incredibly painful and disruptive, but the ultimate goal is to disrupt the eating disorder, not school, work, or family life. These are all good things the eating disorder threatens to destroy...finish article
Friday, June 03, 2011
Denying Residential Treatment is a Violation of Federal Law
EDC Takes a Stand: Denying Residential Treatment is a Violation of the Federal Parity Law
In February of this year the EDC launched the Hold Insurance Companies Accountable Campaign as a response to a number of insurance companies that are categorically denying residential treatment for eating disorders.
Yet parity experts agree that individuals are entitled to receive such treatment under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
The Act requires that any group health plan that includes mental health and substance use disorder benefits along with standard medical and surgical coverage must treat them equally. According to the nationally recognized law firm of Patton Boggs, the statute is clear that limits on the scope and duration of treatment must be applied no more restrictively in the mental health benefit than in the medical/surgical benefit. The statute defines treatment limitations as “limits on the frequency of treatment, number of visits, days of coverage, or other similar limits on the scope or duration of treatment.”
The EDC finds it insulting that some insurance companies are responding to federal legislation that was designed to provide consumers with more access to care - by providing less!
Not complying with the parity regulations is a calculated effort to avoid costs at the expense of people's health and lives. The EDC argues that treatment should be determined by severity and type of illness, rather than what is arbitrarily allowed by an individual’s insurance company.
The EDC's Hold Insurance Companies Accountable Campaign is working with families, specialized attorneys such as Lisa Kantor, and experts in the field to put an end to such discriminatory and deadly practices through legal and political advocacy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We have heard from many people who have been denied insurance coverage for residential treatment - yet we need to hear from hundreds more!
If you have been denied insurance coverage for residential treatment email us at: EDCHoldsInsuranceAccountable@yahoo.com
Together we can and will make a difference.
Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D.
Policy Director
Eating Disorders Coalition
www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org
202-352-3208
In February of this year the EDC launched the Hold Insurance Companies Accountable Campaign as a response to a number of insurance companies that are categorically denying residential treatment for eating disorders.
Yet parity experts agree that individuals are entitled to receive such treatment under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
The Act requires that any group health plan that includes mental health and substance use disorder benefits along with standard medical and surgical coverage must treat them equally. According to the nationally recognized law firm of Patton Boggs, the statute is clear that limits on the scope and duration of treatment must be applied no more restrictively in the mental health benefit than in the medical/surgical benefit. The statute defines treatment limitations as “limits on the frequency of treatment, number of visits, days of coverage, or other similar limits on the scope or duration of treatment.”
The EDC finds it insulting that some insurance companies are responding to federal legislation that was designed to provide consumers with more access to care - by providing less!
Not complying with the parity regulations is a calculated effort to avoid costs at the expense of people's health and lives. The EDC argues that treatment should be determined by severity and type of illness, rather than what is arbitrarily allowed by an individual’s insurance company.
The EDC's Hold Insurance Companies Accountable Campaign is working with families, specialized attorneys such as Lisa Kantor, and experts in the field to put an end to such discriminatory and deadly practices through legal and political advocacy.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
We have heard from many people who have been denied insurance coverage for residential treatment - yet we need to hear from hundreds more!
If you have been denied insurance coverage for residential treatment email us at: EDCHoldsInsuranceAccountable@yahoo.com
Together we can and will make a difference.
Jeanine Cogan, Ph.D.
Policy Director
Eating Disorders Coalition
www.eatingdisorderscoalition.org
202-352-3208
Disordered Eating of Another Kind
By Kimberly Dennis, M.D.
Medical Director of Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
I am sure most of us at one time or another has felt guilty for going back for a second or third serving of food, whether or not we are still hungry. During a holiday party or special occasion, it's common to "overindulge." It is probably the most socially-sanctioned way to escape or medicate the tensions that arise during hectic holiday times at family gatherings. It also happens to be one of the least acknowledged ways to stuff intense emotions that might otherwise surface in such settings. This speaks to the depth of denial that we have on a societal level about how people "use" food—the same denial that exists as a major symptom in other addictions to a lesser extent.
Millions of Americans engage in overeating on a daily basis and have a relationship with food that is shrouded in secrecy and shame. While most people identify anorexia or bulimia as eating disorders, the most common eating disorder is the least talked about--binge eating or compulsive overeating. Officially referred to by the medical community as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (ED-NOS, which includes binge eating disorder), it is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting more than 20 million Americans.
Millions of individuals use food as a substance in the same way that others with the disease of addiction use alcohol or drugs. When some people repeatedly consume large amounts of food, their brains receive a relaxed or calming feeling similar to the feeling alcoholics or substance abusers receive when they use. This is related to a similar reaction in the brain's reward circuitry. For some people it's brought on by using food and for others it's alcohol, work, sex, self-injury, gambling, drugs, and/or combinations of any of the above...finish article
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View additional articles regarding eating disorders in the extensive Eating Disorder Hope Articles Library
Eating Recovery Center is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 3rd annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference
Eating Recovery Center is pleased to announce
that registration is now open for the
3rd annual Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference
Click here to register for the conference, view the official conference program featuring speakers and topics, book lodging and/or transportation and learn more about summertime attractions in Colorado. Register now, space is limited.
2011 Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference
Friday, August 19th & Saturday, August 20th
Denver Marriott City Center
Denver, Colorado
Friday, August 19th & Saturday, August 20th
Denver Marriott City Center
Denver, Colorado
Held in scenic Denver, Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Eating Disorders Conference brings together distinguished experts in the field of eating disorders treatment to discuss the trends, developments and emerging best practices shaping the industry. Limited registration and an interactive educational program supports connection and collaboration among attending members of the eating disorders treatment community, including physicians, therapists, nurses, dietitians and advocacy organizations.
Have questions about the conference or registration?
Contact Sarah Gilstrap, Marketing Communications Specialist,
We look forward to seeing you in August!
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View additional nationwide conferences, meetings and events regarding eating disorder treatment, advocacy and awareness at the Eating Disorder Hope Events Calendar
Thursday, June 02, 2011
No Cost Treatment Available Through Four National Institute of Health-funded studies @ University of Chicago
Treatment Study for Women with Binge-Eating Disorder.
The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study to evaluate outpatient treatments for women with binge-eating disorder. This study is a good match for you if you are:1) 18 years or older,
2) Female,
3) Meet criteria for binge-eating disorder,
4) Are prepared to participate in assessments and up to 28 weeks of cost-free treatment.
If you are interested and would like more information, please call us at 773-834-9120 or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu
Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa Treatment Study
The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study of Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa Treatment. Adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa are invited to participate in a 6-month, no cost, outpatient-treatment study. Designed to identify effective outpatient psychological treatments for adolescents with bulimia nervosa. Interested individuals should contact Colleen Stiles-Shields at (773) 834-5677 or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu.Adult Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Study
The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study of an Adult Anorexia Nervosa Treatment: Young Adults (aged 18-30 years) with Anorexia Nervosa are invited to participate in a National Health funded research study designed to develop and refine a family-based treatment manual for young adults with Anorexia Nervosa, as well as to assess the feasibility of this outpatient psychotherapy. Treatment involves up to 6 months of no cost individual and family therapy sessions. Interested individuals may contact our Research Coordinator at (773) 834-9120 or visit or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu.Adolescent Overweight Treatment Study
The University Of Chicago is conducting a National Institute of Health-funded study of Adolescent Overweight Treatment: Overweight adolescents (aged 13-17 years) and their families are invited to participate in a 6-month, no cost treatment study designed to examine the efficacy of two treatments for adolescent obesity. Interested individuals may contact Kali Ludwig at (773) 834-0360 or visit or visit http://eatingdisorders.uchicago.edu.The Aging of Eating Disorders: Middle-aged Women Fight the Devastating Disease
By Kim Dennis, M.D., Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center
Photograph Courtesy of Timberline Knolls
Photograph Courtesy of Timberline Knolls
With a mortality rate higher than any other mental illness, including depression, eating disorder awareness ought to pervade society and the medical community alike. Sadly, they don’t. While you might be hard-pressed to find anyone unfamiliar with the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, eating disorders are not a frontrunner for awareness, research, treatment or recovery dollars. Even though each year eating disorders affect 20 times more Americans than HIV/AIDS, for every $20,000 spent on HIV/AIDS research, only $1 is spent on eating disorder research.
This may be due in part to the commonly misunderstood and underestimated characteristics of the illness. While adolescent girls and fashion models are typically viewed as the poster girls for eating disorders, in reality, they have plenty of company. Eating disorders are equal-opportunity offenders – pervading economic and cultural boundaries and leaping the borders of age and gender. Eating disorders are treatable diseases, and full recovery is possible. However, without adequate treatment and support, the journey to get there can be excruciatingly long and arduous, fraught with setbacks, and impossible to accomplish alone.
Over the past 5-10 years, we have been seeing a growing number of older women seeking treatment for eating disorders. It is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately estimate how many women struggle with mid-life eating disorders. According to information from the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), it is important to remember the ability to quantify figures can be challenging, particularly because individuals struggling with an eating disorder are often in denial about their illness, and hospitalizations frequently focus on the physical consequences of the disease, rather than the illness itself...finish article
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Mark Your Calendars for the 2012 Binge Eating Disorder Association Conference
www.bedaonline.com
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Find additional nationwide conferences, meetings and events regarding eating disorder treatment, awareness and advocacy at the Eating Disorder Hope Events Calendar
Eating Disorder Hope is proud to announce that The Emily Program has listed their Seattle office services in the Eating Disorder Treatment Directory
Seattle
The Emily Program
(206) 283-22201700 Westlake Avenue North, Ste. 650
Seattle, WA 98109
emilyprogram.com
The Emily Program, which has provided personalized eating disorder treatment for more than 4,500 individuals in MN, officially launched its Seattle office. The Emily Program's office is located in the Westlake neighborhood at 1700 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle. They welcome males and females of all ages with anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder, eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), and related problems.
The Emily Program offers a wide array of outpatient treatment services to help you on the road to recovery including: individual therapy; group therapy; family-based therapy; family and couples therapy; nutritional evaluation and counseling; and intensive outpatient program.
Outpatient programs allow you to continue everyday activities like work or school. The Emily Program believes that most change occurs as an outpatient, since people live their lives as outpatients. And ultimately, people must apply what's learned to a life of recovery that they live outside the treatment program. For more information visit emilyprogram.com or call (206) 283-2220.
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View the Eating Disorder Hope nationwide eating disorder treatment directory at: http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/eating-disorder-treatment-centers.html
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