iaedp Denver Metro Chapter

APRIL iaedp ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. For iaedp-Approved Supervisors:

You can purchase the Supervisor Course, "Leading By Example," in iaedp’s learning platform, here. The cost is $25.

Please note: The “here” link takes you to is iaedp's learning platform where you get in to purchase courses. It is a different software system than iaedp’s website, so you will need to create a separate account before making the purchase.


2. If you are an iaedp member pursuing your Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) credential, you can receive 20% off the 4 Core Courses through April 2023. The code is 20%April. This can be used in iaedp's Learning Management System under "Promo Code."

How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Aids in Eating Disorder RecoveryHow Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) aids in Eating Disorder Recovery Presented By, Allison Walford, LPC and Dana McDowell, LPC, CEDS

Friday, April 7 · 11:45am - 1pm MDT

Please join the Denver Metro iaedp Chapter for an engaging presentation and discussion with Allison Walford, LPC & Dana McDowell, LPC, CEDSFREE VIRTUAL EVENT VIA ZOOM!11:45AM- 12:00pm: Word from our Sponsors12:00pm - 1:00pm: Presentation by Allison Walford, LPC and Dana McDowell, LPC, CEDS (introduction by Jodie Benabe, Psy.D., CEDS, CCTP) Event Zoom Link will be forwarded upon your registration. Recordings of this event are only available to those have registered.How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) aids in Eating Disorder Recoveryby Allison Walford, LPC & Dana McDowell, LPC, CEDSPresentation DescriptionWe will offer a description of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, how it has evolved from its origins as a safe and commonly used anesthesia drug to being used off-label for anxiety, depression, addictions, PTSD, eating disorders, and other psychiatric diagnoses. We will also discuss how it fits in the ever emerging, and scientifically validated, world of psychedelic treatments.We will talk about the application of KAP in ED treatment and present current research demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment modality.As time allows, we will present a case study and share feedback from clients who have done KAP with us.

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Impact of expanded diagnostic criteria for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder on clinical comparisons with anorexia nervosa

Summary by Beth Letourneau, Research Co-Chair of Denver Metro iaedp

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are both restrictive eating disorders with the potential of resulting in serious nutritional deficiencies and medical risk. Despite sharing this core component, ARFID and AN present with different driving forces and distinct features.

“Restriction and food avoidance in ARFID is not driven by the weight and shape concerns that typify AN” (Becker et al, 2019). The DSM-5 suggests that individuals with ARFID can be conceptualized as meeting one or more of the following three classifications: “[1] inadequate food intake [due to] lack of interest in food, [2] restricted range of foods due to smells, tastes, textures, temperatures, and appearance of food (i.e., sensory sensitivity), and [3] food avoidance following the development of a specific eating fear (i.e., a fear of aversive consequences from eating… [i.e.,] choking, vomiting, allergic reactions, GI distress)” (Becker et al, 2019).

The present study showed age of onset of ARFID to be significantly younger than that of AN, with ARFID at 8.30 years and AN at 16.38 years. Gender distribution of the ARFID sample was 50.8% female, while that of the AN sample was 94.4% female. Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety were reported among those with ARFID compared to AN. Participants with ARFID expressed less body dissatisfaction and negative attitudes toward obesity. The ARFID sample presented with higher median BMI than the AN sample “but still found that individuals with ARFID were, on average, within an objectively low-weight range” (Becker et al, 2019). The two diagnoses did NOT differ in level of restrictive eating (p = .52).

“Individuals with either a diagnosis of AN or ARFID report high levels of dietary restriction but, as anticipated, those with AN report elevated cognitive restraint or effortful attempts to reduce food intake, urges to eat, and thoughts about food. On the other hand, those with ARFID report greater discomfort around new foods and very low levels of effortful control over eating” (Becker et al, 2019).

With regards to psychosocial impairment, although the driving forces of food restriction differ, those with ARFID do share similar disruptions in social functioning commonly experienced by those with AN, including eating-related struggles with participating in social activities, school, work, and family events, as well as difficulties maintaining relationships.

There are overlaps in these two restrictive eating disorders, however, when diagnosing and treating ARFID versus AN, it is crucial to recognize and address the critical differences. For example, emphasizing new food exposure in ARFID and targeting body image and/or emotional disturbances in AN. Of course every individual client is a unique, complex person that encompasses so much more beyond their diagnostic label and, as clinicians, we must remember to first and foremost treat the whole human being.

Becker et al. (2019). Impact of expanded diagnostic criteria for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder on clinical comparisons with anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord. 2019 Mar; 52(3): 230-238. doi: 10.1002/eat.22988