Eating disorders are one of the more unfortunate exports of the Western World.  The emphasis on physical appearance and a narrow view of beauty that has been exacerbated by a global media (thin is good, fat is bad) is taking its toll all over the world.  The good news is the global community of professionals treating eating disorders is growing in leaps and bounds. I just returned from this year’s iaedp (International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals) Annual Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona where the International Forum featured the country of Italy.

Consistent with the symposium theme of “Evidence Based Treatment and Treatment Based Evidence,” the presenters from Italy enthralled the audience with promising research and innovative clinical approaches.  A neuropsychologist teleconferenced her research study live from Milan and showed how her research on the use of virtual reality can be used in treating eating disorders.  With the use of a “virtual restaurant,” computer generated images of food were shown to be helpful in healing food fears and phobias for those struggling with anorexia and bulimia. Here, we have imagery created by modern technology used in service of the treatment of eating disorders rather than used to promote eating disorders and unhealthy body image!  Also from Italy, a psychologist and a psychiatrist presented their work in treating individuals struggling with eating disorders with Mandala Therapy.  Based on the work of Carl Jung, they were able to demonstrate how archetypal images – which cross all culture and all time – can be used to plumb the depths of the psyche to reveal and resolve the deeper issues that underlie struggles with food, eating, and body image.

While it can be disheartening to witness the spread of eating disorders, it is also a very exciting time as professionals from around the world are coming together to collaborate in creating a vast array of advances in prevention, treatment, education, and research. For more information on the international community of eating disorders professionals, contact www.iaedp.com.