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Volunteering and International Eating Disorder Studies
Eating disorder research is crucial in furthering the understanding of these severe psychiatric illnesses, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Researchers and scientists across the globe are working tirelessly to study the many complex components involved with eating disorders, thereby creating more effective treatments and an overall greater understanding of these mental illnesses.
Participation in International Eating Disorder Studies
In many eating disorder research studies, participants are needed, typically both with a history of an eating disorder and those without an eating disorder, depending on the purpose and nature of the study. Examples of eating disorder research studies involving human participants include genetic studies of eating disorders, neurobiology and brain imaging studies, behavioral studies and more.
In some cases, an international eating disorder study may simply involve participants from around the world, and you can likely participate from your local region.
In other situations, international researchers may be recruiting participants from around the world to be involved in their regional specific study, which may require traveling. Be sure to clarify what is required of participants, length of time needed to participate in the study, and any travel involved. Many research studies will offer reimbursement or a stipend for travel expenses, so be sure to inquire about this.
In order to qualify as a participant for an eating disorder research study, diagnostic interviews and assessments will likely need to be completed. This will vary according to each individual research project and the criteria for study participants.
Carefully review the criteria ahead of time, if possible, to determine your eligibility and whether you are able to meet the demands of the research study. If the criteria is not clearly outlined, you can always inquire to speak with someone directly to learn more.
Benefits of Volunteering for Eating Disorder Research
Researchers around the world are examining the many complexities of eating disorders, with hopes of bringing awareness and improved treatment to the most fatal of psychiatric illnesses. Anorexia nervosa alone has an estimated mortality rate of around 10 percent, resulting from complicated causes, including starvation, suicide, and metabolic collapse [1]. Understanding the various facets involved with eating disorders can help improve diagnostic and treatment measures, bettering the prognosis for those who are struggling.
As either an individual who has personally suffered or as a person without a history of an eating disorder, you can contribute to the betterment of the eating disorder community as a participant in international eating disorder research. Check out current research study opportunities, both at home and abroad, and determine what might be the best fit for you!
About the Author: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Contributing Writer for Eating Disorder Hope.
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing,
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: Arcelus J, et al. Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7):724-731.The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on July 21, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 21, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
