The Intersection of Medical, Psychiatric and Psychological Interventions During Medical Stabilization

Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) are complex psychiatric conditions associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The extreme malnutrition that often accompanies this disorder can cause widespread medical complications across multiple organ systems. Effective psychiatric and psychological care is imperative in treating these difficult conditions, in which a complex range of contributing factors often play a role in the persistence of the disorders.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide education about psychiatric and psychological interventions that best support patients who experience extreme eating/feeding disorders requiring medical stabilization. In addition, this presentation will explore psychological and psychiatric approaches to improving outcomes in patients with extreme malnutrition in the absence of an eating disorder. 

Educational Objectives:

• Recognize differences in presentation between anorexia nervosa, ARFID and extreme malnutrition, focusing on mechanisms of persistence and the importance of individualized behavioral health treatment to facilitate progress in treatment
• Describe how psychiatric medication interventions coupled with psychological support can lead to positive outcomes during medical stabilization and beyond
• Explain how extreme eating/feeding disorders and malnutrition affect the body and mind and require a team approach to treatment