More questions than answers: caring for a loved one with an eating disorder
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What families and researchers say needs to change
What do young adults and caregivers most need from eating disorder research, treatment and services? This session presents findings from the first national Canadian study to identify eating disorder research priorities from the perspectives of young adults with lived experience and parents and caregivers. Led by Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos and Dr. Jennifer Couturier, the research highlights priorities including better education and training for healthcare providers, clearer treatment protocols, improved best practices, more individualized care and greater attention to the needs of diverse and underrepresented populations.
The research presentation is followed by a candid conversation with caregivers Wendy Preskow and David Gervais about what it means to support a loved one with an eating disorder. Moderated by Akela Peoples, CEO of Mental Health Research Canada, the discussion examines gaps in knowledge, access and support, and the burden families can carry while navigating a serious and complex illness. Together, the research and lived-experience perspectives reinforce the need to better equip healthcare providers, involve and support caregivers and translate research priorities into meaningful improvements in care.
Expert Voices
Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos
Associate professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary
Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos is an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, cross-appointed with the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics. At the time of the webinar, she held a Research Excellence Chair focused on system-level interventions for equitable and accessible youth mental health services. As co-principal investigator of the featured research, her work examines eating disorder treatment, transitions in care and family-based approaches for diverse young people and families.
Dr. Jennifer Couturier
Child and adolescent psychiatrist, McMaster Children’s Hospital
Dr. Jennifer Couturier is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and medical co-director of the Pediatric Eating Disorders Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital. At the time of the webinar, she was also an associate professor at McMaster University. As co-principal investigator of the featured research, she brings clinical and research expertise in eating disorder treatment, family involvement and improving care for children, adolescents and their families.
Wendy Preskow
Co-founder, National Initiative for Eating Disorders
Wendy Preskow is a co-founder of the National Initiative for Eating Disorders and a parent with lived experience supporting a child with an eating disorder. Her advocacy has focused on increasing awareness and understanding of eating disorders while strengthening support for individuals and families affected by them. In this session, she brings the perspective of both a caregiver and a community advocate working to improve eating disorder care and services.
David Gervais
Vice principal, Waterford District High School
David Gervais was vice principal at Waterford District High School and a parent with lived experience supporting a child with an eating disorder. In the fireside conversation, he brings a caregiver’s perspective to the challenges families face in recognizing illness, navigating care and finding the information and support they need while helping a loved one through treatment and recovery.
What is Spotlight on Research?
Spotlight on Research highlights partnership-driven, outcomes-focused research supported by Mental Health Research Canada and brings together researchers, community leaders and people with lived experience to help bridge the gap between research and practice. The series is designed to mobilize knowledge from collaborative research projects with the potential for meaningful impact. This February 2024 session was presented during Eating Disorders Awareness Week as a collaboration between Mental Health Research Canada and the National Initiative for Eating Disorders.
