OC-IAEDP: Eating Disorders: New Science, New Understandings

Over the past several years, there have been fascinating discoveries that affect our understanding of eating disorders. Scientists have identified 8 different loci on chromosomes that are associated with eating disorders. These loci that correlate with genetic loci for comorbid psychiatric illnesses and metabolic parameters. These studies have led to a re-conceptualization of anorexia nervosa as a psycho-metabolic disease. Additionally, the genetic influence on the gut microbiome has been documented. And the fascinating role of the gut microbiome-hypothalmic axis has been elucidated to increase understanding of gastrointestinal disorders. The relevance of these findings to clinical practice will be discussed. In this illuminating lunch and learn w/ Dr. Johnson you'll learn how to: 

1. Describe the genetic traits related to eating disorders
2. Explain the genetics research regarding heritability of AN and comorbid conditions
3. Discuss the gut microbiome and its functions
4. Describe how the gut-brain-microbiome communication influences disease states
5. Conceptualize anorexia nervosa as a metabo-psychiatric disease