Eating Disorders Edition: Eating Disorders 101: Background and Debunking Myths

To claim credit for this episode, visit: Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast: Eating Disorders Edition

Guest:  Jocelyn R. Lebow, Ph.D., L.P.

Host:  Angela C. Mattke, M.D. (@DrAngelaMattke)

Eating disorders are a huge problem in our country. Whether realizing it or not, primary care providers who treat teenagers are likely caring for patients with eating disorders.  Though estimates vary, approximately 3-15% of adolescents will experience an eating disorder. Along with the numerous physical and psychological consequences of these illnesses, eating disorders also have the second-highest mortality rate of any mental illness: one in five patients will die from complications related to their eating disorder. 

This episode is the first episode in our Eating Disorders edition, which focuses on how primary care providers may treat children with eating disorders. This episode will concentrate on the basics: what are eating disorders, what do they do to our patients, and what myths and misunderstandings exist that hinder effective identification and treatment. Our guest is Jocelyn R. Lebow, Ph.D., L.P., a Mayo Clinic child and adolescent psychologist, and collaborator in the Mayo Clinic primary care child and adolescent eating disorder clinic.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.