Psychiatrist Jennifer Derenne specializes in eating disorders. Most eating disorders begin in adolescence, but they can appear much earlier – or later – in life, too. To begin healing, Derenne works with an interdisciplinary team to first stabilize and renourish her patients and uses evidence-based psychotherapy that incorporates strong family involvement. Recent clinical studies are exploring the use of psychedelics to open new avenues for treating these notoriously hard-to-treat illnesses. Eating disorders are a life-threatening medical condition, Derenne asserts, telling host Russ Altman that “food is the best medicine” on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Russ Altman introduces guest Jennifer Derenne, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.
(00:03:11) Studying Eating Disorders
Jennifer’s path from pediatrics to psychiatry and studying eating disorders.
(00:03:44) Types of Eating Disorders
A breakdown of the main diagnoses and what distinguishes them.
(00:04:59) Who Gets Eating Disorders?
The age ranges of those affected and when symptoms first appear.
(00:05:46) Disordered Vs. Normal Eating
Distinguishing common weight concerns from dangerous dysfunction.
(00:07:15) Treating Teen Eating Disorders
Why family involvement is crucial and treatment focuses on behaviors.
(00:08:56) Genetics & Social Media
The different risk factors that can contribute to disordered eating.
(00:10:08) Smartphones & Mental Health
The impact of smartphones on the development of coping mechanisms.
(00:12:32) Transitioning to College
Why mental health can destabilize during the move to independence.
(00:15:51) Treating Eating Disorders
The multidisciplinary approach to treating disordered eating.
(00:18:39) Supervision & Safety
The importance of supervision and medical follow-ups to help prevent relapse.
(00:21:03) AI in Adolescent Psychiatry
The pros and cons of AI tools in adolescent mental health support.
(00:25:21) The Limits of Medication
How medications often target comorbidities rather than the eating disorder itself.
(00:27:08) Psychedelics Research
Emerging studies on using psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders.
(00:29:47) Future In a Minute
Rapid-fire Q&A: curiosity, treatment optimism, and becoming a book editor.
(00:31:48) Conclusion
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