Princeton Center for Eating Disorders Supervisor to Present at International Conference on Anorexia

Rebecca G. Boswell, PhD, Psychologist Supervisor at Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, is presenting at the June 2022 International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED June 9-10) on Exploring the Lived Experience of Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (SE-AN).

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) a complicated and serious illness characterized by very low body weight, distorted body image, and intense fear of gaining weight; includes a significant subset of individuals (20-25%) who experience a chronic form of the illness characterized as severe and enduring AN (SE-AN). Individuals typically have had multiple ineffective treatment experiences, placing them at risk for demoralization and the stark negative medical/psychosocial consequences of AN. To best inform treatment of those with SE-AN, it is critical to listen to the lived experiences of those with the disorder.

Interviews were conducted with 17 patients with SE-AN admitted to Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, an inpatient treatment program specializing in the medical/psychosocial care of individuals with severe eating disorders. Patients noted etiological and perpetuating factors including over-controlled personality traits, adverse experiences, and dieting behaviors. Patients reported negative consequences of SE-AN which included physical consequences, widespread social/family/work impact, and negative effects on mental well-being.

Notably, most patients reported prior treatment experiences at multiple levels of care. Negative experiences reported during treatment included feelings of lack of dignity and conflicts with staff; positive experiences included collaborative weight restoration, slower pace, environment of care, and supportive relationships with staff.

All patients reported that quality of life was enhanced in recovery. Notably, most patients did not report a hope for full recovery; instead, they reported a desire for improved quality of life and ease with activities of daily living. This work suggests that individuals with SE-AN hold treatment goals more consistent with harm reduction and quality-of-life improvement than full weight restoration and recovery.

“What we have learned from these interviews will help us to consider a more collaborative and harm reduction-based approach to treatment for severe and enduring anorexia nervosa, which we hope will help enhance quality of life for the people living with this illness,” said Dr. Boswell.

Nationally known, the Center for Eating Disorders Care at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center provides inpatient treatment for adults, adolescents, and children as young as eight years’ old who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders. We provide the foundation for a full recovery by combining psychosocial treatment, nutritional support, family involvement and the latest advances in clinical care – together with an atmosphere of understanding, safety, respect, and support throughout the recovery process. Patients and families benefit from our ability to address eating disorders in those with additional medical complications, and to treat individuals who have extremely low body weight. Princeton Center for Eating Disorders welcomes patients of all genders. For more information go to: www.princetonhcs.org/eatingdisorders.

Media Contact: Jennifer McGinley
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