Eating Disorders affect millions of Americans and are associated with significant psychological and medical comorbidities, including the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition.  However, less than 50% of individuals with eating disorders receive adequate assessments or treatment. Many providers feel uncomfortable inquiring about eating disorder symptoms and may lack knowledge in how best to treat and refer those who need more support.  

In this workshop, we will review diagnostic schema for feeding and eating disorders, discuss assessment and evaluation strategies, and discuss treatment options for individuals with eating disorders.  We will also explore the impact that these disorders have on individual identity formation and family structure and consider the roots and etiology of their development.

Dr. Kristina Sowar is an Associate Professor and attending Psychiatrist in the Department and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UNM.  She is the Program Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship; she also is the Medical Director for the Child Psychiatry Emergency Services, and runs an outpatient eating disorder clinic for adults and children.  Dr. Sowar is passionate about education and mentorship for learners and providing excellent collaborative clinical care.