About this course

Learning Objectives

• Identify the association and discuss the impact of PTSD and increased eating disorder severity in adolescents.
• Utilize evidence-based assessment and treatment, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, for concurrent PTSD and eating disorders.
• Explain how PTSD-related mechanisms such as emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and self-blame contribute to disordered eating.

Learning Levels

• All Levels

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Evelyn Tovar, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  Evelyn Tovar, LCSW, is a highly accomplished behavioral health leader with expertise in complex clinical presentations. As a Clinical Director at Monte Nido, she is responsible for overseeing clinical programming, staff development, and quality assurance within the residential eating disorder facility. Ms. Tovar's specialized background encompasses crisis management and the comprehensive treatment of trauma-based disorders. This expertise provides a unique clinical lens to effectively address the prevalent co-occurrence and deep intersection of trauma and eating disorders. The objective of her presentation is to equip attendees with a sophisticated understanding of this critical connection and actionable strategies for applying evidence-based, trauma-informed care. She maintains an active professional commitment as a member of the Association for the Treatment & Prevention of Sexual Abuse.

References

• Brewerton, T. D., Gavidia, I., Suro, G., & Perlman, M. M. (2022). Eating disorder onset during childhood is associated with higher trauma dose, provisional PTSD, and severity of illness in residential treatment. European Eating Disorders Review, 30(3), 267-277. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2892
• Brewerton, T. D., Gavidia, I., Suro, G., Perlman, M. M., Genet, J., & Bunnell, D. W. (2021). Provisional posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with greater severity of eating disorder and comorbid symptoms in adolescents treated in residential care. European Eating Disorders Review, 29(6), 910-923. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.2864
• Guillaume, S., Jaussent, I., Maïmoun, L., Ryst, A., Seneque, M., Villain, L., ... & Courtet, P. (2016). Associations between adverse childhood experiences and clinical characteristics of eating disorders. Scientific Reports, 6(1), 35761. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep35761