About Eating Disorder Research Program

The Eating Disorder Research Program's studies bridge contemporary understandings of the physical impact of eating disorders (e.g., bone health, inflammation, heart rate variability, structural and functional connectivity of the brain) as well as their psychological (e.g., anxiety, depression, self-harm, obsessive compulsive disorders), neurocognitive (e.g., executive functioning, central coherence), behavioral (e.g., approach and avoidance motivation, reward sensitivity, perseveration and perfectionism), and emotional correlates (e.g., emotion recognition and regulation).

We seek to identify trajectories of disease in previously under-characterized populations, elucidate markers of risk and remission, and improve our understanding of how weight change affects health. Our treatment development research brings these findings and innovations into pediatric clinical care.

Our focus is on targeting modifiable factors to improve outcomes. It includes the use of acceptance and mindfulness-based treatments, cognitive remediation therapy, identifying novel therapeutic pathways, and increasing support for caregivers. Our commitment to quality improvement informs our shift from efficacy trials to effectiveness and implementation and dissemination work. Our team is funded by internal, foundation, and federal grants.