Understanding care utilisation for people with atypical anorexia nervosa and anorexia nervosa

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions posing significant physical and mental health harm to those affected. While anorexia nervosa (AN) – a condition characterized by food restriction resulting in low body weight is likely the best-known eating disorder, there are several other types of eating disorders, including atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN). However, eating disorder diagnosis and treatment are often delayed for those with AAN in comparison to AN due to factors such as weight stigma. The study’s objective is to understand care utilisation by individuals with AAN in comparison to AN. This project supports a novel research collaboration between the University of British Columbia (UBC) and King’s College London (KCL), including advancing the research portfolio of Dr. Law’s (UBC) quantitative public health research agenda and Dr. Schmidt’s (KCL) long-standing commitment to understanding the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. As we work towards improving eating disorders treatment and care in Canadian communities, it will be especially useful to learn the approaches Dr. Schmidt’s team have taken to ensure that eating disorder screening and referrals in primary care settings are not implemented in a vacuum; but rather, with broader equity-based principles in mind.

Faculty Supervisor:

Christopher McLeod

Student:

Partner:

King's College London

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: