This workshop will provide participants with an overview of eating disorders (ED), including: eating disorder definitions, medical complications associated with ED, eating disorder statistics and prevalence, athletes and eating disorders, causes in relation to the biopsychosocial model, signs/symptoms/red flags that school psychologists need to be aware of, communicating with students and their families about a suspected ED, an overview of treatment that works (Family Based Treatment), and examples of Body Image group activities. The workshop will also emphasize the schools’ involvement in ED treatment and crucial points to keep in mind when developing education plans for students in ED treatment.

Workshop Objectives:

This session will help participants

1. explain the characteristics of three types of eating disorders (ED): anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder;
2. develop a return to school safety plan for students after discharge from ED treatment; and
3. describe how this ED safety plan fits into a comprehensive role as outlined by the NASP Practice Model.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Know what anorexia and bulimia are and have an understanding of typical adolescent development.

Practical Tools

What to say to coaches regarding athletes and ED. Developing a return to school safety plan. Some body image group activities.