PEKIN, ILL. (Nov. 29, 2011) -- The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (www.iaedp.com/) will present a panel of renowned international specialists in a rare opportunity to gather leading experts in discussion dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders in ethnic populations. Despite classically perceived notions of the disease as a predominately white middle-class affliction, the iaedp Foundation has long-recognized disordered eating as a cross-cultural concern and is raising awareness by providing a culture-specific discussion for professionals treating patients with non-Western traditions and values. The special panel presentation and luncheon is part of iaedp’s Symposium 2012 to be held March 22-25 in Charleston, South Carolina (www.iaedp.com/coming%20soon.htm).

With the continued contemporary globalization of Western influence on Eastern cultures, dieting at the cost of one’s health has become a cross-cultural preoccupation.

“This discussion will provide treatment professionals with applicable information and insights on treating eating disorders among different ethnicities; it’s a must-see part of the program,” said Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at the iaedp Foundation.

After an introduction by Dr. Ovidio Bermudez, Medical Director of Child & Adolescent Services at Eating Recovery Center in Denver, iaedp’s internationally recognized panel will be moderated by Suzanne Ricklin, certified eating disorder specialist and chair of iaedp’s International Forum, who will guide the discussion with a framework for the cultural treatment challenges encountered by addiction professionals. Comprised of four leading disordered eating experts, this exclusive panel will include presentations covering the in-depth cultural differences in treating those suffering from the full spectrum of eating disorders and co-occurring addictions.Guests of the seminar will hear from:

• Dr. Divya Kakaiya, president of San Diego, California’s Healthy Within Foundation, who will discuss the Western presumptions held by those treating ethnically diverse patients and families with eating disorders.
• Dr. Eva Trujillo, founder and vice president of the Mexican Association for ED Professionals, will offer her expertise by presenting on the cross cultural variations of eating disorders in Latin America.
• Caryl James, Ph.D., clinical psychologist from the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica, will speak on the anecdotal rise of eating disorders in Jamaica and the Caribbean, in contrast to a culture that once embraced the voluptuous body type.
• Anita Johnson, Ph.D. and Director of the Anorexia & Bulimia Center of Hawaii rounds out the panel with a presentation on the challenges regarding the use of assertive communication in Asian cultures in disorder eating treatment.

“In order to provide effective treatment for a diverse and culturally sensitive population of patients seeking assistance to overcome suffering eating disorders, addiction professionals have an increased responsibility to make themselves aware of the best practices used to identify and treat a common disease that continues to extend beyond cultural boundaries,” Harken said.

For more information about 2012 iaedp Symposium registration, go to: www.iaedp.com.

About iaedp:
Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions.

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This release was published on openPR.