Eating Disorders Diagnoses and Treatments: An Educational Symposium

This report highlights a one-day educational symposium on the topic of eating disorders (EDs), which impact young adults/college students at troubling rates. The goals of the symposium were to increase the attendees' knowledge about EDs and positively impact their attitudes toward individuals with EDs. An estimated 60 people voluntarily attended the event, including but not limited to (1) students and professionals from the fields of music therapy, psychology, health and sports sciences, dietetics, and art therapy; (2) individuals who previously or at the time of the symposium had an ED; and (3) individuals who had a relative or friend with an ED diagnosis. Speakers included a psychologist, a board-certified music therapist (keynote), a registered and licensed dietitian, and a registered and board-certified art therapist. Results of a pre- and post-symposium survey indicate that over two-thirds of the respondents (68%) reported an increase in general knowledge about EDs and an even greater number reported an increase in knowledge about treatments and therapies (89%). Attitudes were positively impacted as well, although changes were small owing to high pre-symposium scores. Narrative feedback was wholly positive and lends support to the numerical data for the perceived importance and value of this event