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Not so “Atypical” Anorexia Nervosa: Clinical History, Diagnostic Considerations, and Treatment Approaches

Shannon Patterson, M.Ed., Ph.D
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Information

Date & Time

Description

Atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) is a sub-diagnosis for patients who meet all the criteria for anorexia, except for being underweight. However, the term “atypical” is a glaring misnomer, as AAN affects up to 4.9% of people during their lifetime, whereas anorexia nervosa (AN) affects about 0.6%.

Atypical anorexia became a subtype of other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED) in 2013, leading to many common misconceptions about the severity of the illness and its best treatment approach. Using data from a large patient population receiving virtual treatment across the US, this presentation will explore these diagnostic labels, assess the severity and treatment trajectory for patients with AAN compared to AN, and propose considerations for future diagnostic clarifications.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain the differences (or lack thereof) between Atypical Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa.

  • Recognize the severity of Atypical Anorexia Nervosa and the urgency for treatment.

  • Identify necessary components for treatments for Atypical Anorexia Nervosa.

Educational Goal

This session will prepare attendees to explain the differences (or lack thereof) between atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) and anorexia nervosa, recognize the severity of AAN and urgency for treatment, and identify necessary components for treatments for AAN.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Dietitian
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Nutritionist
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Shannon Patterson, M.Ed., Ph.D
Shannon Patterson (she/her), M.Ed., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist based in Madison, WI, with a specialized focus on the intersection of eating disorder treatment and psychological adjustment to chronic illness. She is the founder and owner of a private practice that offers both in-person and virtual therapy. Beyond her direct care services, Shannon holds an educational role at Equip Health where she provides training and consultation to therapists and healthcare professionals on interprofessional treatment teams across the United States. She is the co-author of the Weight-Inclusive CBT Workbook for Eating Disorders, published by New Harbinger. You can learn more about her work by visiting www.drshannonpatterson.com.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Equip