Experience Counts in Treating Eating Disorders

NEDA Survey Results:  Professional Certification is Important to Patients and Their Families 

 In October and November, 2012 the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) sent an email to everyone in its database inviting participation in an online, confidential, consumer survey about their experiences with eating disorders and their treatment. More than 2,000 individuals voluntarily participated.  NEDA received responses from those who suffer personally from eating disorders, those with family members who have been diagnosed with eating disorders and family members who have lost a loved one as a result of an eating disorder. 

 The majority of all three groups wanted their clinicians to have years of eating disorder experience, the ability to deal with multiple psychological conditions, and certification in eating disorders.

To me this was a no brainer, but obviously the research was needed and perhaps many out there do wonder if they should go to the expense or difficulty of finding professionals who are well trained in eating disorders and treatment for them. Maybe they think any psychologist is after all trained to deal with the brain or behaviour and should be able to treat properly. Research likes this highlights how important it can be.

Sophie’s complete team have at least 7 years experience each. For us the difference means the dietitian talks with complete understanding about the mind issues of an ED as well as diet. Our counsellor knows all the trick an ED can get up to and keeps up to date with new treatments for ED’s. Our psychiatrist can pick the difference between ED symptoms and what is OCD, asperger, anxiety or depression – and treat each accordingly. This specialised knowledge really becomes clear when you deal with those who don’t have it. We tried to good psychologists who whilst they had a basic grasp of ED’s and good other skills, were useless in dealing with and treating both symptoms and how to heal.

Of course the specialist you choose also has to have the ability to make their clients feel comfortable and can build an environment of trust. All the skills in the world won’t help if the client doesn’t trust or feels they can confide. It is important though not to make this gut reaction after the first one or two appointments. Eating disorders are notorious for blocking all help and therapy and sufferers often say they can’t get on with their team only because the ED doesn’t want to. Sophie hated her psychiatrist for ages but it was the ED talking not her. Once we got past that stage, Soph likes her and responds well.

Others in their treatments have found good help with ‘ordinary’ professionals because that is all there is in their living area, or they bond well and are able to start healing. It comes down to trying and always making sure that recovery is forward moving. Stalled recovery and movement backward can indicate the therapist has reached their limit.

The link below downloads the pdf of the NEDC research findings. There is also a link to the NEDC website.

SummaryofKeyFindings2013
NEDC website