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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
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Transgender Clients' Experiences of Eating Disorder Treatment
Mary E Duffy1, Kristin E Henkel1, Valerie A Earnshaw2,3
1Department of Psychology, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling
|March 31, 2022
Summary
Transgender individuals with eating disorders (EDs) face significant challenges in treatment due to clinicians' lack of gender competence. Inadequate care can be harmful and life-threatening, highlighting the urgent need for specialized support.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gender Studies
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Transgender individuals have a higher prevalence of eating disorders (EDs).
- Existing ED treatments may not adequately address the unique needs of transgender patients.
- Clinician preparedness to treat this demographic is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the treatment experiences of transgender individuals with EDs.
- To identify barriers and facilitators in ED treatment for this population.
- To gather recommendations for improving care.
Main Methods:
- Online questionnaire administered to 84 transgender individuals with EDs.
- Inductive thematic analysis of qualitative data.
- Exploration of participants' treatment experiences, focusing on clinician interactions and care effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Three key themes emerged: the role of the body in treatment, negative clinician experiences, and recommendations for improved care.
- Participants reported deficits in clinician gender competence.
- Experiences of inadequate care led to beliefs that treatment was ineffective or harmful.
Conclusions:
- Transgender individuals with EDs often receive inadequate care due to a lack of clinician gender competence.
- Current ED treatment approaches may be ineffective or harmful for transgender patients.
- There is a critical need for improved training and specialized services to ensure safe and effective care for this vulnerable population.
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