Eating Disorders Diagnoses and Treatments: An Educational Symposium

Authors

  • Susan C. Gardstrom University of Dayton Dayton, OH
  • Hannah Lowe Anixter Center Chicago, IL
  • Meredith Schlabig University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v1i1.775

Keywords:

eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia

Abstract

This report highlights a one-day educational symposium on the topic of eating disorders (EDs), which impact young adults/college students at troubling rates. The goals of the symposium were to increase the attendees' knowledge about EDs and positively impact their attitudes toward individuals with EDs. An estimated 60 people voluntarily attended the event, including but not limited to (1) students and professionals from the fields of music therapy, psychology, health and sports sciences, dietetics, and art therapy; (2) individuals who previously or at the time of the symposium had an ED; and (3) individuals who had a relative or friend with an ED diagnosis. Speakers included a psychologist, a board-certified music therapist (keynote), a registered and licensed dietitian, and a registered and board-certified art therapist. Results of a pre- and post-symposium survey indicate that over two-thirds of the respondents (68%) reported an increase in general knowledge about EDs and an even greater number reported an increase in knowledge about treatments and therapies (89%). Attitudes were positively impacted as well, although changes were small owing to high pre-symposium scores. Narrative feedback was wholly positive and lends support to the numerical data for the perceived importance and value of this event

Author Biographies

Susan C. Gardstrom, University of Dayton Dayton, OH

Susan C. Gardstrom, PhD, MT-BC, is Professor and Coordinator of Music Therapy at the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA. Clientele served include adjudicated adolescents, children with physical disabilities and autism, and adults with addictions.

Hannah Lowe, Anixter Center Chicago, IL

Hannah Lowe, MT-BC graduated from the University of Dayton, OH, USA with a Bachelor of Music degree with majors in Music Therapy and Spanish and a minor in Psychology. She interned at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where she worked on pediatric, palliative care, NICU, and psychiatric units. Hannah is now the music therapist at Anixter Center, a nonprofit organization in Chicago that serves individuals with disabilities. At Anixter Center, Hannah works within a day training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that promotes cognitive, emotional, physical, and psychiatric wellness, fosters independence, and enhances quality of life.

Meredith Schlabig, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI

Meredith Schlabig, MT-BC, NICU MT graduated from the University of Dayton, OH, USA with a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology. She completed her internship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and a year fellowship placement at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Meredith is now working as a full-time music therapist for the University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems with both acute and chronic pediatric and adult patients in the intensive care units, hematology/oncology units, and outpatient clinics.

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Published

2015-01-12

How to Cite

Gardstrom, S. C., Lowe, H., & Schlabig, M. (2015). Eating Disorders Diagnoses and Treatments: An Educational Symposium. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v1i1.775

Issue

Section

Reports