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Introduction to Eating Disorders (Fully Accredited)
Rating: 4.4 out of 5(143 ratings)
1,475 students

Introduction to Eating Disorders (Fully Accredited)

A Comprehensive Overview
Last updated 4/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • What are eating disorders?
  • the different types of eating disorder
  • how are eating disorders diagnosed?
  • the pros and cons of diagnosis
  • anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder
  • treatments and interventions, myths and stereotypes,
  • signs and symptoms, environmental signs
  • Accessing help and support, helping organisations.

Course content

1 section38 lectures2h 3m total length
  • Introduction5:26

    A very warm welcome to the course, thank you for joining!

  • What is an Eating Disorder?4:16

    Her we explore definitions of eating disorder, have a think about that term in relation to your professional experiences.

  • Why Do We Eat?5:42

    Sounds like a strange question to ask, but its an important starting point for beginning to understand how things can go wrong.

  • Myths about Eating Disorders8:03

    There are a number of myths about eating disorder, which can prevent a constructing working relationship with clients.  Its important to dispel those unhelpful myths.

  • More Myths About Eating Disorders4:11

    Even more myths about eating disorder, have a think about any additional myths that you have heard of.

  • Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorder7:52

    Her we look at some of the signs and symptoms to look out for, which may suggest that a person has an eating disorder.

  • Environmental Signs of Eating Disorder1:28

    If you are a professional working with clients who have an eating disorder or if you are a family member with a loved one who may have an eating disorder, here are some of the signs in the environment to look out for.

  • Anyone Can Experience an eating Disorder0:42

    People from all ethnic, cultural backgrounds, people of all nationalities, income brackets and ages can experience eating disorder.

  • Men Get Eating Disorders Too0:40

    Yes its true, men also experience eating disorders, it's not just young females!

  • Myths About Dieting5:12

    A number of myths about dieting exist which can be very unhelpful and in some cases lead to unhealthy eating practices to lose weight.

  • Weight Loss and Weight Gain3:41

    A look at the basics of how the body gains weight, loses weight or maintains weight at the current level.

  • About Anorexia Nervosa7:00

    So getting down to business, what is an eating disorder?...what does it consist of?

  • Anorexia Nervosa Images0:49

    This is a picture of a young lady who had experienced anorexia nervosa.  She shared images of herself so as to try and help prevent other people from experiencing eating disorder.

  • How Anorexia Nervosa Affects the Body3:39

    This is a narrated diagram of the human body which outlines all of the damage that can be done to our body by eating disorder.

  • About Bulimia Nervosa3:54

    So what is Bulimia Nervosa?...here we begin to explore what the diagnosis is and what some of the symptoms are.

  • About Binging Disorder1:15

    Here we look at when binging becomes a 'disorder' often having disastrous impact on the patient's life.

  • Correlates of Binge Eating3:56

    Client's diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder often experience a number of other mental and physical health issues...what we refer to as 'correlates'

  • About Purging4:23

    Her we describe purging, when a person tries to 'undo' the binging that has taken place by inducing vomiting, diarrhea or other means.

  • Causes of Eating Disorder Task0:43

    This is a task for you to do either on your own, in pairs, or as a group.  You are asked to start thinking about possible causes for eating disorder.

  • Causes of Eating Disorder Answers2:45

    Here are what clinical evidence tells us are some of the causes of eating disorder.

  • Body Mass Index Explained1:59

    Often used by General Practitioners and health professionals to measure a person's wight in relation to their height to see whether they might be underweight, OK, overweight or obese.  In this video we describe how this is used.

  • Exercise: Challenges of Working with Eating Disorder4:32

    Another exercise to help you as an individual, in pairs or in a group begin to explore some of the professional challenges you may have experienced in working with a client/client's experiencing eating disorder.

  • Epidemiology and Prevalence of Eating Disorders3:35

    Here we look at what clinical data tells us about the demographics of eating disorder, how many people experience it, what backgrounds are they often from etc.

  • Case Study 12:01

    Pause the videos at this point for a case study, discuss your answers with colleagues or a family member of appropriate.

  • Pro's Of Diagnosing Eating Disorders2:52

    Here we look at some of the advantages (pros) of having eating disorder diagnosed by a relevant specialist.

  • Cons of Diagnosing Eating Disorders2:13

    In contrast, here we look at some of the possible disadvantages of having an eating disorder diagnosed.  Can you think of any additional pros and cons of diagnosis?

  • Major Risk Factors2:00

    Clinical research tells us about some of the major risk factors for developing an eating disorder.  It doesn't mean that if we have any of these risk factors, we will develop an eating disorders, but the higher number of risk factors, statistically, the likelihood of developing eating disorder increases.

  • Risk Assessment1:04

    Here we look at the basic group of factors related to risk assessment.

  • When a Client May Need Hospitalisation1:11

    There are times where a client with an eating disorder may need to be hospitalized for urgent care or their own health and safety.  here we explore some of those indicators to look out for.

  • Case Study 2 Exercise1:41

    Another case study where you are asked to look at the details of a fictitious client who 'may' have an eating disorder.  Discuss this case study with a colleague or a group of colleagues and write down your thoughts.

  • How Have You Dealt With Challenges0:57

    Here you are asked to think about the top 3 challenges you have faced in working with the client group.  If you have not yet worked with clients with an eating disorder, have a think about what some of the challenges might be.

  • The Cycle of Anorexia and Bulimia1:41

    Here we discuss the cycle in relation to anorexia and bulimia.  many clients with an eating disorder often say that they feel 'trapped' in a vicious cycle.  part of the task of helping professionals is to help the client break out of that cycle in a healthy and safe way.

  • Evidence Based Approaches3:25

    Here we explore helpful and constructive ways to help and support a client or family member who has an eating disorder, based on evidence from clinical practice.

  • Do's of Recovery2:57

    In terms of your professional input in helping and supporting the client towards recovery from eating disorder, here of some of the 'dos'.  Have a think about any additional things that you feel are helpful in this regard.

  • Dont's of Recovery2:03

    In terms of supporting the client towards recovery, here are some of the practices we need to avoid.  Evidence suggests that these [practices often have a negative imapct on the client and their recovery.

  • Treatments and Interventions for Eating Disorder9:32

    Her we explore some of the evidence based interventions for client's with an eating disorder.  Its always important to remember that only professionals who are experienced in the treatment of eating disorders should provide treatments and interventions.

  • Summary and Conclusion1:57

    Here is where we say a big thank you to you for your dedication to the course...well done!  Remember to send any questions you may have to Kevin, also any feedback is always very much appreciated as it helps to improve the course/s on an ongoing basis.

  • Promotional Video for CBT Course1:50

    This is a promotional video about one of my most popular courses on Udemy; Introduction to CBT.

Requirements

  • There are no pre-requisites for this course. All you need to have is an interest and or a need to learn more about eating disorders.

Description

Ongoing Professional Development: This course provides the knowledge and skills to improve performance in this area, offering 10 hours of valuable learning and professional development, as evidenced on the certificate issued upon completion.

Live Streamed Availability: This course and a range of other related courses can be delivered to groups of between 6 and 25 people via Live Streaming with Zoom. Contact Kevin O’Doherty for more details on pricing and availability etc.

This IAOTH (International Association of Therapists) accredited course provides a comprehensive introduction to eating disorders, with a particular focus on Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Bulimia Nervosa. The course is designed for professionals who may encounter clients diagnosed with eating disorders, as well as for family members, friends, and caregivers who wish to gain a better understanding of these conditions.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • What is an Eating Disorder?: The course begins by exploring the definition of eating disorders, distinguishing between the various types and explaining the underlying psychological, emotional, and physical factors that contribute to their development.

  • Signs and Symptoms: Students will learn to identify the early warning signs of eating disorders, which can sometimes be subtle or misunderstood. Key behaviors, thoughts, and physical symptoms associated with Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder will be covered in detail.

  • Epidemiology: The course discusses the prevalence and distribution of eating disorders, highlighting key trends and demographic factors that influence the rates of these conditions. Students will gain an understanding of the global impact of eating disorders on different age groups, genders, and cultures.

  • Risk Assessment: Understanding how to assess the risk of eating disorders is crucial for effective intervention. The course will teach risk assessment tools and strategies to help identify individuals who may be at risk for developing eating disorders or who are already struggling with them.

  • Pros and Cons of Diagnosis: The course explores the benefits and limitations of diagnosing eating disorders. Students will consider the complexities of diagnosing these conditions, the impact of diagnosis on clients, and the challenges faced by clinicians in this area.

  • Treatments and Interventions: The course covers various treatment options for eating disorders, focusing on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and nutritional counseling. The pros and cons of different therapeutic interventions will be discussed, along with practical strategies for supporting recovery.

  • Evidence-Based Approaches: Students will learn about the scientifically validated treatments for eating disorders, including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and hospital-based interventions. The course will delve into the most recent research and best practices for treating these complex conditions.

  • Myths and Stereotypes: The course will also debunk common myths and stereotypes associated with eating disorders, helping students to develop a more accurate and compassionate understanding of these conditions. This section will challenge the societal misconceptions that often surround individuals with eating disorders.

Course Features:

  • High-Quality Content: The course consists of video lectures, audio files, PowerPoint slides, and handouts, ensuring that students have access to a variety of resources to reinforce their learning.

  • Interactive Learning: Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage with the material through quizzes, tasks, and discussions with peers. These interactive elements are designed to help solidify the knowledge gained and promote deeper understanding.

Teaching Style:

The course is taught in a relaxed, informal, and professional manner. The aim is to make complex topics easy to understand and to encourage students to reflect on the information covered. Students are also encouraged to reach out with any questions or feedback, and the instructor, Kevin O'Doherty, is committed to responding in a timely and supportive manner.

Ideal for:

This course is ideal for a wide range of individuals:

  • Professionals such as psychologists, therapists, counselors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare providers who work with clients experiencing eating disorders.

  • Family members, friends, and caregivers of someone with an eating disorder, who are looking for ways to better understand and support their loved ones.

  • Students or individuals with a general interest in learning more about eating disorders from both a psychological and practical standpoint.

Instructor:

The course is taught by Kevin O'Doherty, a highly experienced psychologist, Forensic Mental Health Expert Witness, and CBT therapist. Kevin has over 20 years of experience working in mental health and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the treatment of eating disorders. His practical experience, combined with his academic background, makes him an expert on the subject matter.

Additional Learning Options:

The course is available via live streaming and face-to-face sessions upon request, offering flexibility for students and organizations. Contact Kevin O'Doherty directly for more details or to arrange a tailored learning experience.

Conclusion:

This course offers valuable knowledge for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of eating disorders, whether for professional purposes or personal interest. By covering a wide range of topics, from risk factors and diagnostic criteria to treatments and myths, this course provides a holistic view of eating disorders and equips students with the tools they need to support individuals affected by these conditions.

Get in touch with Kevin O'Doherty for further inquiries or to learn more about this course and other related learning opportunities.

Who this course is for:

  • People who prehaps work with clients who have eating disorder. People with a family member or frind with an eating disorder and would like to understand the condition better and how to support the person more effectively.