The Neurobiology of Eating Disorders With Dr. Jeffrey DeSarbo, DO
Jeffrey DeSarbo, D.O. is a physician, psychiatrist and Medical Director of ED-180 Eating Disorder Treatment Programs in Garden City, N.Y., one of the largest private treatment centers in the country. His personal practice manages about 400 patients with eating disorders and related conditions. Dr. DeSarbo is an IAEDP certified supervisor overseeing the specialized training of other clinicians in the eating disorder field. He is the host of the podcast Translating ED and the producer of the free YouTube series The Brain and Neurobiology of Eating Disorders.
Join us in this episode to discuss important topics such as the neurobiology of eating disorders, biological predisposition, and the science behind irregular eating patterns. If you’ve ever thought “I just have to rewire my brain”, this episode is definitely for you!
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[0:01-5:06] Introductions
I introduced our guest speaker for today
His background and why he got into the medical field
[5:07-14:48] Neurobiology and Genetics in Eating Disorders
Understanding the physiological-biological process specifically the neurological aspects of the brain
How does electrochemical energy manufacture a thought or a feeling?
Eating disorders caused by genetics
A person cannot develop an eating disorder if they are not really prone to it
[14:49-32:59] Biological Predisposition for Eating Disorders
The ability of the brain to change itself
Addictive eating patterns
Rewiring your brain
What restriction looks like neurobiologically
Why is intelligence affected less when you have an eating disorder?
Common trait of anorexia is perfectionism
Bulimia nervosa: self induced vomiting
[33:00 -49:39] Neurobiological Changes: Understanding the Neurobiology of Eating Disorders
Most people feel invincible when they suffer from eating disorders
Compulsive exercise and its neurobiological component
Body image distortion and distress
Repairing the brain’s central nervous system
How do these changes affect recovery?
Confronting your biggest fears
[49:41-51:12] Closing Segments
Where to find Dr. DeSarbo?
Resources Mentioned:
Tweetable Quotes
“Eating disorder is not a choice, it's something that happens” -Dr. DeSarbo
More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.
You can connect with me on Instagram, through my website or email me directly clicking the links below.
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