#38 Dr. Walter Kaye Discusses the Latest in Eating Disorder Treatment

Dr. Walter Kaye is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Founder & Executive Director of the Eating Disorders Program at the Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research at UC San Diego. Dr Kay is a leading expert in Eating Disorders and is a co-editor in the Clinical Handbook of Complex and Atypical Eating Disorders and the Behavioral Neurobiology of Eating Disorders. Dr. Kaye’s current research is focused on exploring the relationship between brain and behavior using brain imaging and genetics and developing and applying new treatments for anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Eating Disorders are severe disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts and emotions. Many who suffer with eating disorders are preoccupied with both food and their weight. They can have severe body image dissatisfaction and a need for perfection. Even though eating disorders are grouped together in the DSM-5, they are distinct illnesses. Anorexia Nervosa symptoms include a distorted body image and a belief in being overweight despite being dangerously underweight. There are two types of anorexia nervosa, one restrictive and one binge-purge type. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by eating excessive amounts of food in short period of time, and then purging the food using compensatory behaviors like vomiting and laxatives. Binge Eating Disorder is engaging in episodes of excessive eating, but unlike bulimia, there is not purging of the food or calories. Eating disorders affect people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds on many psychosocial levels. They can cause serious medical problems, and a multidisciplinary approach to care is needed.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is not a substitute for getting help from a mental health professional.