Eating Disorders in Adults

This course equips social workers to understand adult eating disorders, apply evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive strategies, and advocate for recovery and equity.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 05/18/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1354064

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485cvcv is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

provides social workers with an in-depth understanding of eating disorders in adults, including diagnostic criteria, clinical presentations, and co-occurring conditions. Participants will explore the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors contributing to the development and maintenance of these disorders, as well as current evidence-based treatment modalities. The course emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and weight-inclusive approaches to assessment, intervention, and long-term recovery support. Special attention is given to ethical practice, client empowerment, and the role of the social worker in navigating systems of care and advocating for access and equity.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe diagnostic features and clinical differences among adult eating disorders and compare with adolescent presentations.
Analyze biological, psychological, sociocultural, and intersectional factors contributing to eating disorders.
Apply biopsychosocial assessment practices and screening tools for accurate diagnosis.
Evaluate evidence-based treatment modalities for adult eating disorders.
Assess ethical implications of measurement and documentation in treatment.
Integrate knowledge of co-occurring conditions into treatment planning.
Demonstrate culturally responsive practice with diverse adult populations.
Critically examine the role of social workers in treatment and advocacy.
Develop strategies for relapse prevention and long-term recovery support.
Apply course concepts to complex case studies and reflect on ethical dilemmas.
Synthesize clinical and ethical insights while evaluating emerging trends and advocacy priorities.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction to Eating Disorders in Adults (16 minutes)

Defining eating disorders in adults
DSM-5-TR criteria: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID
Epidemiology: prevalence, gender, age patterns
Adult vs. adolescent presentations
Course progression and chronicity

Etiology and Risk Factors (18 minutes)

Biological influences: genetics, neurobiology
Psychological factors: perfectionism, trauma, emotion regulation
Sociocultural contributors: media, stigma, diet culture
Life transitions and stress triggers
Intersectional factors: race, gender identity, socioeconomic status

Assessment and Diagnosis (19 minutes)

Biopsychosocial assessment practices
Screening tools: EDE-Q, SCOFF, EAT-26, BEDS-7
Medical complications and severity assessment
Differential diagnosis strategies
Risk assessment for suicidality and medical instability

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities (18 minutes)

CBT-E, DBT, IPT, ACT
Nutritional rehabilitation and collaboration with dietitians
Pharmacological interventions (antidepressants, Vyvanse, etc.)

Ethical Use of Measurement and Outcome Tracking (11 minutes)

Alternative indicators of progress
Balancing data with client experience
Ethical documentation in weight-inclusive practice
Client-defined goals and self-reporting tools

Co-Occurring Disorders and Complex Presentations (18 minutes)

Anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD
Substance use and dual diagnosis
Personality disorders and emotion dysregulation
Chronic dieting and body dysmorphia
Integrated care strategies

Working with Diverse Populations (16 minutes)

Eating disorders in men and non-binary individuals
LGBTQ+ adults and disordered eating
Midlife and late-onset eating disorders
Cultural beliefs about body image and food
Adapting treatment to diverse needs

The Role of the Social Worker (17 minutes)

Advocacy, psychoeducation, empowerment
Case management and coordination
Family and relational dynamics
Navigating insurance and systemic barriers
Ethical considerations: autonomy, consent, confidentiality

Recovery, Relapse Prevention, and Long-Term Support (16 minutes)

Defining recovery in adults
Relapse warning signs and prevention strategies
Building self-efficacy and sustainable change
Community-based supports and peer resources
Aftercare and ongoing therapeutic support

Case Studies, Reflection, and Application (17 minutes)

Case examples:
- Professional woman with severe restriction
- Male veteran with BED and PTSD
- Nonbinary adult in unsupportive environment
Clinical decision-making and ethical dilemmas
Supervision and reflective practice

Conclusion and Future Directions (14 minutes)

Summary of key takeaways
Emerging trends: virtual therapy, somatic approaches
Consultation and reflective practice
Advocacy at systemic level
Final thoughts on hope, resilience, recovery

Total Minutes: 180 (3 CE Hours)

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