Assessment and Management of Eating Disorders

The trainee will work as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team in a hospital based Program for the treatment of eating disorders, that include: An outpatient consultation service; An Inpatient Symptom Interruption Program for Eating Disorders; A Day Hospital Program for Eating Disorders In addition to understanding the possible aetiologies and the pharmacological management of eating disorders, the interested trainee will develop valuable skills in conducting group therapies by acting as a group co-therapist.

Description: The learning experience could include any of the following options depending on each trainee interest and time available to spend in the Eating Disorders Program:

The trainee will be able to perform a comprehensive psychiatric assessment on eating disorders patients referred to the Center by their family physicians (usually four new consultations are assessed per week).
Based on the psychiatric assessment mentioned above, the trainee will be able to articulate a comprehensive formulation of the events which triggered the eating disorder and the biological and psychosocial factors which perpetuate this eating disorder. The trainee will pay attention to the differential diagnosis of possible underlying psychiatric disorders and/or personality disorders.
At the completion of the psychiatric assessment, the trainee will be able to recommend a referral to the appropriate treatment option available at the Center. The treatment options available at the Center include any or a combination of the following:
Referral to the Day Hospital Program for Eating Disorders
Symptom Interruption Hospitalization (6 beds unit are available for eating disorders patients)
Discuss Pharmacological management of Eating Disorders
Interested trainees could acquire sufficient skills to act under supervision as a co-therapist conducting group therapies for patients attending the Day Hospital Program for Eating Disorders. The program accommodates eight patients that require intensive treatment for their serious eating disorders. Psychological therapy is provided in group format and covers several themes relevant to eating disorders such as body image issues, family relations issues, relationships issues, assertiveness training, eating attitudes, and expression through art. Interested trainees could follow some eating disorders patients hospitalized in the Symptom Interruption Program, where their management includes nutritional rehabilitation and medical stabilization, group therapy and pharmacological treatment if appropriate.

SUPERVISOR: Hany Bissada M.D., FRCP(c) Director, Regional Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders The Ottawa Hospital, General Campus.

LOCATION: The Regional Center for the Treatment of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry Ottawa Hospital, General Campus
DURATION: 2-6 weeks
NO. OF STUDENTS: 1
AVAILABLE FOR: 3rd and 4th year students