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Leaders in the Field of Eating Disorder Research
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Researchers in the field of eating disorders have pioneered a pathway that has led to a greater understanding of these psychiatric illnesses.
With so many complex factors that contribute to the development of eating disorders, research in this field has allowed for greater clarity of diseases that are too often misunderstood, allowing sufferers to have access to more effective treatment, and breaking the stereotypes that have stood stagnant for far too long.
What Brings People to Do Research on Eating Disorders?
Many of the scientists and researchers in the field of eating disorders have ventured into this area out of sheer interest and curiosity. Others are perpetuated by personal experience in some form or another or the sheer desire to answer the unknown that remains about eating disorders.
Whatever the reason, these leaders in the field of eating disorder research have left the world a better place by their intelligence, drive, motivation, and hunger for knowledge in a field that is often darkened by despair and shame. Check out some of these individuals that lead the way in the field of eating disorder research:
Dr. Cynthia Bulik
Dr. Cynthia Bulik, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Dr. Bulik, founding director of the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, has been involved in the research and treatment of individuals with eating disorders since 1982.
Dr. Bulik’s research has included epidemiological studies, laboratory studies, treatment approaches, twin and molecular genetic studies of eating disorders, body weight regulations and more. Her work has included nearly 500 scientific papers and chapters on eating disorders as well as the author of books on these psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Bulik is currently leading the Anorexia Nervosa Genetic Initiative (ANGI), the largest and most rigorous genetic investigation of eating disorders that has ever been conducted1.
Dr. Walter Kaye
Dr. Walter Kaye, University of San Diego, California: Dr. Kaye has an international reputation in the field of eating disorders and has also authored more than 300 articles/publications in this field. As the current director of the University of California, San Diego Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Program, Dr. Kaye is leading innovative research and treatment for those who may be suffering from eating disorders.
Much of Dr. Kaye’s current research focuses on the relationship between behaviors and brain utilizing a variety of techniques, including brain imaging and genetics. Among his current research activities includes the discovery of genes that are associated with the development or anorexia and bulimia nervosa, and the use of brain imaging tools to better understand how brain pathways are connected to eating disorder symptoms2.
Countless More Are Contributing
This is just but a small sample of the countless numbers of researchers and post doctorate students who have dedicated their lives and time to advancing the understanding of eating disorders and finding life-saving treatments. With so much that has yet to be understood about these complex illnesses, the researchers and scientists who have immersed themselves in this field of study are bringing a light to numerous individuals who are suffering.
If you are a researcher or scientist in the field of eating disorders, we wholeheartedly commend your work, time and effort. At Eating Disorder Hope, we would love to help support and promote your work within our community. Please feel free to share your current projects with us, and we would be glad to promote your studies on the Eating Disorder Hope Research and Advocacy page on our website.
As a community, we stand continue to build on the discoveries of scientists and researchers who are brining greater transparency to an illness that was once clouded with shame and stigma. As research continues to advance, so will the understanding of and treatments for eating disorders.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Who would you like to recognize as a leader in the field of eating disorder research, and why?
References:
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders. “ANGI-Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative”, http://www.med.unc.edu/psych/eatingdisorders/our-research/angi
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, “Program Director – Walter H. Kaye, MD” http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu/faculty/kaye.shtml
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 31st, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
