NEDA Thanks AMA for Newly Released Course on Eating Disorders

April 18, 2012 - PRLog -- NEW YORK CITY — The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) proudly announces the American Medical Association’s (AMA) latest online course, Screening and Managing Eating Disorders in Primary Practice, which was developed to educate physicians about eating disorders, with the goal of earlier detection and intervention.

The course – the first of its kind – is a part of the AMA’s Educating Physicians on Controversies and Challenges in Health (EPoCH) program and: provides a basic diagnostic overview of the range of eating disorders; reviews the screening and referral process; and briefly describes the role of the primary care physician in treating patients with eating disorders.  The curriculum fills a much needed void, helping more patients receive care and perhaps preventing severe chronic eating disorders.

NEDA approached the AMA last year about creating the course and commends their initiative, drawing attention to the need for a greater understanding of eating disorders in the medical community and proactively working to educate physicians. The AMA has also made a commitment to aggressively promote the course’s availability to the medical community.

“We are grateful to the AMA and thank them for listening to the concerns of our families about a need for education on eating disorders within the medical community itself and taking action,” commented Lynn Grefe, president and CEO of NEDA. “This course has the potential to make serious inroads toward earlier interventions and consequently more successful outcomes for patients. It’s a terrific step forward and we are grateful for this partnership.

“We are also grateful,” Grefe adds, “to the NEDA professional members who are also members of the Academy for Eating Disorders for their time and input into the creation of this important course.”

Said AMA President Peter W. Carmel, M.D., “In treating eating disorders, early intervention and communication has proven to be highly effective in combating these diseases. This resource will help primary care physicians learn how to better identify, treat and manage these serious mental illnesses.”

Added Anne E. Becker, M.D., Ph.D., president of the AED, “The AED applauds the AMA’s effort to provide health professionals with training on the detection and management of eating disorders.”

Approximately 24 million people suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder in the U.S., yet too many eating disorders are not caught until the illness is entrenched often to  the point at which there has already been irreversible physical health damage done, making the illness much more difficult to treat.  Studies have repeatedly shown that early intervention leads to better treatment outcomes.

If doctors are able to intervene more promptly and the illness is treated at an earlier stage, it helps alleviate the serious health consequences that accompany prolonged eating disorders; lessens emotional turmoil involved for the entire family; and reduces the financial burden of treatment significantly.  

More guidance for health professionals can be found at:  http://www.aedweb.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Resources_f...

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), headquartered in New York City, is the leading U.S. non-profit organization supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Each year, NEDA helps millions of people across the country find information and appropriate treatment resources through its toll-free, live helpline, its many outreach programs and website. NEDA advocates for advancements in the field and envisions a world without eating disorders. For more information, visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org

For Treatment Referrals, Visit www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
Or Contact NEDA’s Live Helpline:  800-931-2237
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EST)

Contacts:    
Greenleaf & Associates — 323-660-5800
Vicki Greenleaf — vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
Karen Brundage — karen@greenleafandassociates.com  

Available for Interviews:
•  Lynn Grefe, President & CEO of NEDA.
•  Doctors, psychologists & other eating disorder treatment specialists throughout the country.
•  Recovered eating disorder patients.
•  NEDA ambassadors.