Picture Blurrfect

We are BACK! After a hiatus where host Naomi Charalambakis Wilkerson learned some hard lessons during maternity leave AND starting a new job, Picture Blurrfect kicks off Season 4 with Dr. Pamela Keel of Florida State University! Author of "The Voide Inside: Bringing Purging Disorder to Light," Dr. Keel shares how she identified and named purging disorder, an entirely distinct eating disorder rather than a subset of another as long believed. Additionally, Dr. Keel shares the results of a recent paper her lab published that examines the relationship between plasma interleukin-6 levels (e.g., inflammation) and binge-eating spectrum disorders. Papers Mentioned in the Episode: Campanile et al., (2024): Elevated interleukin-6 in women with binge-eating spectrum disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders. Volume 57, Issue 7.Dr. Keel's Book: The Voide Inside: Bringing Purging Disorder to Light (Oxford University Press, 2020).Binge-Eating Study: If you: 1) have binge eating disorder; or 2) are part of a support group (Whatsapp, Facebook, in person, etc) or currently work with an eating disorder coach or therapist, and are interested in participating in a study exploring sensory strategies for binge eating, please take the screening survey located at BeyondBingeEating.com/Survey. Any questions can be directed to kdobyns@mymail.ciis.eduEating Disorder Resources Remember, you are not alone, and help is availableNational Eating Disorders Association - Screening Tool National Alliance for Eating Disorders - Support GroupsNational Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) - Support GroupsE-mail Naomi: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.comHappy to hear feedback, ideas, concerns, or anything on your heart and mind.

Naomi closes out Season 3 by reflecting on the interviews and experiences over the last year and for the first time, shares some questions she's gotten from you--the audience! How does one prepare for the holidays when in recovery? How do you approach someone you fear is struggling with an eating disorder? *Note: Picture Blurrfect will be taking a hiatus until June-July 2024 as Naomi welcomes her new baby girl into the world and learns how to be a mama! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you're struggling: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Dr. Ellen Fitzsimmons-Craft of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis joins the podcast to share her vision for how technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to improve accessibility of eating disorder treatments. Naomi and Dr. Fitzsimmons-Craft discuss her work with Tessa, a rule-based chatbot that the National Eating Disorders Association recently used (and took down) to prevent eating disorders and help folks with body image concerns. While technology is not yet perfect, there is incredible potential for these tools to improve accessibility and enable more people to get the care they deserve. Learn more about Dr. Fitzsimmons-Craft's research and background here. Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media: Instagram: @picture_blurrfectX: @BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Yours truly takes the microphone to share her thoughts on how to overcoming "feeling guilty" after eating certain foods or meals while in eating disorder recovery. Just because you FEEL guilty doesn't necessarily mean there is something you SHOULD feel guilty about. Book Naomi Mentions:1. The Weight of Beautiful by Jackie GoldschneiderNote: Please do not read until you feel strong and comfortable in your recovery

Dr. Sam Hahn of Central Michigan University joins the podcast to discuss one of her recent papers that examines how weight perception--how one personally views themselves in terms of overweight, normal weight, underweight--and its potential changes throughout adolescence could predict disordered eating patterns in young adulthood. The episode also touches on Dr. Hahn's interest in investigating how other self-monitoring behaviors (self-weighing, electronic tracking devices, etc.) influences eating patterns, mood, and weight-related behaviors, particularly for vulnerable populations and young adults. Papers Discussed in the Episode:1. Hahn et al., (2023): Do Weight Perception Transitions in Adolescents Predict Concurrent and Long-Term Disordered Eating Behaviors? J Adolesc Health. May;72(5):803-8102. Hahn et al., (2021): Self-weighing among young adults: who weighs themselves and for whom does weighing affect mood? A cross-sectional study of population-based sample. J Eat Disord. Mar 10;9(1):37.Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Time to geek out a little bit this week because who doesn't love to talk about the brain!? Naomi sits down with Dr. Rachel Ross of Albert Einstein College of Medicine to chat about her latest publication in Physiology & Behavior that examines how a specific receptor in the prefrontal cortex--the very front part of our brain--influences food-related decision making. Dr. Ross shares the implications of her findings in the mouse model and how it could shape future research directions in studying food intake and associated behaviors, including eating disorders. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:1. Ross et al., (2023). Prefrontal cortex melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) mediate food intake behavior in male mice. Physiol Behav. 269:114280.Remember to also check out Dr. Rachel Ross' lab website! Dr. Ross is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow. Reach out to her for more info if interested: rachel.ross@einsteinmed.edu. Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi sits down with Dr. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer of the University of Minnesota to chat about how she became interested in weight-related problems among young people, and how this work culminated into her now thriving research lab, "Project EAT" (Eating and Activity over Time). Topics that emerge from the discussion include: yoga and mindfulness and its connection to eating disorder/disordered eating recovery, the role of family meals in the development of weight-related problems, and her book, "'I'm, Like, So Fat!': Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World."More about Dr. Neumark-Sztainer's work:1. Website: Project EAT lab2. Book: "'I'm, Like, So Fat!': Helping Your Teen Make Healthy Choices about Eating and Exercise in a Weight-Obsessed World."Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi sits down with Dr. Ruth Knight of York St. John University to explore why we often forget to talk about disability when it comes to eating disorder/disordered eating research. As we strive to be more inclusive and representative in our research, are we making the effort to ask individuals with lived experience what they are going through and adjust research instruments/methodologies accordingly? Additionally, Dr. Knight shares her new paper in Journal of Eating Disorders that seeks to understand the effects of gender and sexual orientation on disordered eating. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:1. Knight & Preston (2023): Exploring the effects of gender and sexual orientation on disordered eating: an EFA to CFA study of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Journal of Eating Disorders. 11. Article number: 100. Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi lets it rip about her views on the healthcare workforce and their treatment of eating disorders/mental conditions after her recent experience at the doctor. The lack of insurance coverage for mental conditions (and especially eating disorders) and the nonstop news about Ozempic/Wegovy were also thrown in the rant for good measure. If you have faced discriminstration at the doctor given your mental condition, or have been denied coverage for your eating disorder treatment, I want to hear from you for a potential future episode! Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

The lovely Jessica Schleider, PhD of Stonybrook University (soon to be Northwestern!) joins the podcast to discuss her latest paper in the International Journal of Eating Disorders that focuses on data from Project Body Neutrality. Results are promising and indicative of the effectiveness of brief, accessible interventions in reducing mental health problems, including disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and depression. Join us to learn all about single-session interventions (SSIs), body neutrality, scalable mental health, and next steps for Dr. Schleider's lab! Paper Discussed in the Episode:1. Smith et al., 2023: Project Body Neutrality: Piloting a digital single-session intervention for adolescent body image and depression. Int J Eat Disord. 2023 May 2. doe: 10.1002/eat.23976.See More from the Schleider Lab: https://www.schleiderlab.org Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

You ever how the fear of people's perception of you changes how you see yourself, particularly when it comes to your weight and body image? Naomi sits down with Dr. Nora Trompeter (University College London) to discuss her latest paper on the bidirectional relationship between negative evaluation (e.g., the fear of being judged) and weight/shape concerns. Naomi and Dr. Trompeter discuss the implications of this study and its potential impact in improving preventive care for eating disorders/disordered eating. Paper Discussed in the Episode:1. Trompeter et al., 2023: Examination of bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over 3 years: A longitudinal cohort study of Australian adolescents. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 56 (3). Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi sits down with Brianne Leeson to share her story on how she started recovery for anorexia at the age 15 but wasn't diagnosed as autistic and ADHD until much later in life. Brianne sheds light on how autistic individuals often don't experience hunger the same way as others, and her relationship with food changed when she finally learned she was also experiencing ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). As an LGBTQIA woman, Naomi and Brianne also chat about how prevalent eating disorders are among this population and the stigma that still very much exists, particularly in more southern states. Check out Brianne's podcast! Link: Today's Lucky Winner [Apple]Contact Picture Blurrfect:E-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.comTwitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfect

We all know how quickly (and dangerously) an eating disorder can strip us of our identity... to the point where we are convinced there IS no life away from the eating disorder.  How do you re-establish your sense of self in recovery? How do you become someone that's not defined by the eating disorder? Naomi shares her thoughts. Help is always available. Check out these resources:NEDA Helpline - Call or Text: (800) 931-2237NEDA WebsiteContact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi sits down with Dr. Tiffany Brown of Auburn University who studies eating disorders in populations that are frequently overlooked, particularly men and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Turns out, we are just starting to uncover data and trends about these groups. Dr. Brown shares her research on day hospital treatment outcomes among sexual minority patients as well as the efficacy of cognitive dissonance-based interventions among gay males. Towards the end of the conversation, Dr. Brown shares next steps for her lab and future research opportunities. Papers Discussed in the Episode:1. Donahue et al., (2020): Examining day hospital treatment outcomes for sexual minority patients with eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord. Oct.,  53 (10).2. Brown & Keel (2015): A randomized controlled trial of a peer co-led dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program for gay men. Behave Res Ther. Nov., 74:1-10.Connect on Social Media/Email:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Grad student spotlight! The first one for Season 3. Jordan Schueler, Clinical Psychology PhD student at Texas A&M University joins the podcast to share her research on intermittent fasting and its relation to binge eating, impulsivity, among other behaviors. Jordan also talks about her dissertation work looking at the effectiveness of tele-health vs. in-person intervention for eating disorder treatment and shares her experience and advice on grad school. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:1. Schueler et al., 2023: Group differences in binge eating, impulsivity, and intuitive and mindful eating among intermittent fasters and non-fastersNEDA Helpline:If you need to talk to someone, please know there is help. CALL: (800) 931-2237 (Monday-Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm; Friday, 11 am - 5 pm)TEXT: (800) 931-2237 (Monday-Thursday, 3 pm - 6 pm, Friday, 1 pm - 5 pmIf you are in a crisis and need help immediately, text "NEDA" to 741741Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Dr. Alix Timko of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia sits down with Naomi to discuss one of her recent paper how we diagnose and effectively classify orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that's characterized by a fixation on food purity and an avoidance of "unhealthy foods." Dr. Timko makes the case that orthorexia is not a "new" or separate eating disorder, but rather a cultural manifestation of anorexia nervosa.  She and Naomi also chat about her research into sex differences in adolescent anorexia and bulimia, and the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with her patients.Papers Referenced in the Episode:1. Bhattacharya et al., 2022: Cultural shifts in the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa: The case of Orthorexia Nervosa2. Timko et al., 2019: Sex Difference in Adolescent Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa: Beyond the Signs and SymptomsFollow or Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @Blurrfect / @NCharalambakisInstagram: @picture_blurrfect E-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

In the second episode of Season 3, Naomi sits down with Dr. Amy Egbert of the University of Connecticut to talk about her research on eating disorders and disordered eating patterns among youth from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Importantly, Dr. Egbert discusses her investigation into how race and ethnicity have been reported in eating disorder studies over the last 20 years, including the trends and long-term implications. As another area of research interest, Naomi and Amy also touch on how food marketing plays a role in the development of disordered eating and eating disorders. As a new faculty at UConn, Naomi and Amy close up the episode chatting about her goals for her brand new lab!Papers Referenced in the Episode:1) Egbert et al., 2022: Reporting racial and ethnic diversity in eating disorder research over the past 20 years. International Journal of Eating Disorders / Vol. 55, Issue 4.2) Egbert et al., 2022: Delicious and difficult to resist?: Inhibitory control differs in young women after exposure to food and non-food commercials. Appetite.  June 1; 173Follow/Contact Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Welcome to Season 3! Naomi spends the first episode of season three breaking down the new childhood obesity guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics early this year. The first set of guidelines issued in 15 years, the document states that children as young as 12 can be prescribed weight loss pharmacotherapy and adolescents as young as 13 (previously 16) can receive a referral for metabolic/bariatric surgery so long as certain qualifications are met. Did the document discuss the risk of eating disorders? Did it mention disordered eating and weight stigma? Tune in to find out.AAP Guidelines: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity - [Link]DISCLAIMER: The host is not an expert or medical professional in eating disorders, obesity, etc. The comments made during this episode serve as opinions only and do not represent medical advice. Picture Blurrfect on social media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

In the final (!) episode of Season 2, Dr. Lisa Anderson of the University of Minnesota joins Picture Blurrfect to share her research exploring the link between "feeling fat," interoceptive awareness, and feelings such as guilt, depression, and disgust. As a fairly new area of study, Dr. Anderson and Naomi discuss how these results could inform future research and, more importantly, potential treatment/therapy options for patients with eating disorders.Picture Blurrfect will resume in January 2023! Stay tuned!Papers Discussed in the Episode:1) Morales et al., 2022: Exploring the contribution of affective constructs and interoceptive awareness to feeling fat. Eat Weight Disord.2) Anderson et al., 2022: "Feeling fat," disgust, guilt, and shame: Preliminary evaluation of a mediation model of binge-eating in adults with higher-weight bodies. Body Image.3)  Anderson et al., 2016: Running to win or to be thin? An evaluation of body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms among adult runners. Body Image.Follow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Dr. Ann Haynos joins the podcast to share all about how her research uses neuroscience to inform clinical interventions. First, Dr. Haynos explains the role of studying "resting state functional connectivity" in eating disorders, and the parts of the brain involved in reward processing; it's especially fascinating to hear how it compares between eating disorder patients and healthy individuals. Then, Dr. Haynos shares how Positive Affect Treatment (PAT), a form of therapy used to treat mood/anxiety disorders, has been recently adapted to help anorexia nervosa treatment. Papers Referenced in the Episode:1. Haynos et al., 2019:   Resting state functional connectivity of networks associated with reward and habit in anorexia nervosa. Human Brain Mapping, 40, 652-662.2. Haynos et al., 2021: Adapting a neuroscience-informed intervention to alter reward mechanisms of anorexia nervosa: A novel direction for future research. Journal of Eating Disorders, 9.Dr. Haynos' Faculty Webpage: https://psychology.vcu.edu/people/faculty/haynos.html. UPDATED November 2023: Dr. Haynos' lab is recruiting! Their new Positive Affect Treatment study is for folks with symptoms of anorexia nervosa who are stepping down from higher levels of care.  Fully virtual treatment study! If interested, please visit: https://t.co/csRpxKKTSi Follow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Jason Nagata, MD, MS, from the University of California San Francisco joins the podcast to share his recent work in examining the prevalence of preadolescent eating disorders in the U.S. Additionally, Dr. Nagata explains the role and importance of vitamin D in eating disorder recovery, sharing recent results he recently published on vitamin D levels among males hospitalized for eating disorders. The results further underscore just how understudied male eating disorders are. Papers Mentioned in the Episode:1. Murray et al., 2022: The Prevalence of Preadolescent Eating Disorders in the United States2. Nagata et al., 2022: Assessment of vitamin D among male adolescents and young adults hospitalized with eating disorders. Follow Picture Burrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi shares what she's been personally going through over the last 1.5 years but has been wary of opening up due to the sheer stigma of the topic... unfortunately, though,  so many individuals go through this particular struggle and it is one that has the potential of wrecking your recovery alongside your mental and emotional wellbeing. If you're struggling with a challenging life circumstance, it's important to stay grounded--have your support system in tow and the strength to be transparent every step of the way, especially if you are tempted to revert back to old, unhealthy behaviors. You are not alone. You are amazing and worthy.Follow Picture Blurrfect:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi revisits The Wall Street Journal expose on how Facebook was made aware  of internal research data showing the negative impacts of its app Instagram on young people and failed to act. What did the expose say and have we made any progress in making social media a positive tool for young people? Why DOES Instagram suck us into the "compare and despair" spiral and what does that mean for eating disorder recovery? To read the WSJ expose, click here. The 2017 TIME Magazine article Naomi references can be accessed here, which cites a survey from the UK's Royal Society for Public HealthFollow Picture Blurrfect-Twitter: @blurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains details about eating and exercises habits related to eating disorders. Please ensure you are in a safe place mentally and emotionally before listening, and seek help if you need assistance (resources below).In a very special episode of Picture Blurrfect, Aggie, Blanca, and Adam join the podcast to share their story of living with and recovering from an eating disorder--the challenges, the triggers, and the life changes. Importantly, the group discusses just how rewarding (but terrifying) the step towards recovery is. But life on the other side is so much better. We promiseYou are never alone. Resources to consider if you feel that you're struggling:National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) (U.S.)Eating Disorder Anonymous Beat Eating Disorders ("Beat") (U.K.)Follow the amazing Aggie (@AggieLaboe), Blanca (@txuriblan), and Adam (@adamfare1996) on Twitter! Picture Blurrfect on social media:Twitter: @Blurrfect / @NCharalambakisInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi chats with Dr. Janet Lydecker of Yale University about weight-based bullying: what it is, what it looks like, and how we can begin to address it as a scientific and clinical community. In addition to sharing some of weight bullying's key characteristics, Dr. Lydecker explains the association between weight stigma and bullying, and how parents/teachers/loved ones can facilitate a dialogue about this issue. There's plenty more research to conduct on this topic, and Dr. Lydecker is paving the way to uncover it.Dr. Lydecker is the head of Yale's POWER lab: Program for Obesity, Weight, and Eating Research. Learn more about her lab, including ongoing studies, here.Being bullied is not your fault and something no one deserves. Please know there is help. Contact someone today if you would like seek help.Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Xu of Baylor College of Medicine joins the podcast to share his latest work on how a particular brain circuit contributes to anorexia nervosa, the psychiatric disease characterized by fear of gaining weight and severe food restriction. Dr. Xu explains how dopamine and serotonin neurons in the brain regulate feeding behavior and often communicate with each other. Importantly, new research from his lab shows how the strength of that communication determined how much animals ate and exercised, thereby allowing researchers to elucidate the mechanisms underlying anorexia. Paper Referenced in the Episode:1. Cai et al., 2022: A D2 to D1 shift in dopaminergic inputs to midbrain 5-HT neurons causes anorexia in miceFollow PictureBlurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi chats with Dr. Kyle Ganson from the University of Toronto about his research on eating disorders in men--why it is under researched and not talked about enough. Additionally, Dr. Ganson shares his research on muscle-enhancing / muscularity-oriented behaviors in the male population by sharing the risk factors and potential treatments. Like with all eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors, this issue is very complex and more research is needed. Papers Mentioned in the Episode:1) Ganson & Rodgers, 2022: Problematic muscularity-oriented behaviors: Overview, key gaps, and ideas for future research2) Ganson et al., 2021: Last word: A call to develop specific medical treatment guidelines for adolescent males with eating disordersFollow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_blurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi chats with Dr. Blair Burnette of the University of Minnesota about her research on intuitive eating  and how this framework could be incorporated into treatment/recovery plans for eating disorders and disordered eating. While most people drill this concept down to "eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full," Dr. Burnette explains the nuance and complexities associated with intuitive eating. Additionally, Dr. Burnette discusses the many barriers to access intuitive eating and how social media has influenced the way society talks about this issue as a whole.Paper Referenced in the Episode: 1) Burnette et al., 2022: A systematic review of sociodemographic reporting and representation in eating disorder psychotherapy treatment trials in the United StatesFollow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Back-to-back graduate student spotlights! Naomi chats with the fabulous Katie Thompson, clinical psychology PhD student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill about body image concerns beyond the teenage years--midlife, postpartum, menopause, and more. Along these lines, Naomi and Katie also discuss how much our culture pressures us to not allow our bodies to change. There's a major disconnect between what the world tells us to look like and biological reality.Papers Referenced in the Episode:1. Thompson & Bardone-Cone, (2022): Self-Oriented Body Comparison and Self-Compassion: Interactive Models of Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Postpartum  Women2. Thompson & Bardone-Cone, (2019): Disordered eating behaviors and attitudes and their correlates among a community sample of older women 3. Thompson & Bardone-Cone, (2019): Evaluating attitudes about aging and body comparison as moderators of the relationship between menopausal status and disordered eating and body image concerns among middle-aged womenFollow us on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Graduate student spotlight! Naomi chats with soon-to-be Dr. Shruti Kinkel-Ram (@shrutikinkelram) of Miami University all about her research, including her Master's thesis on the connection between obsessive compulsive disorder and eating disorders as well as her current work on examining the relationship between interception and weight stigma. Naomi and Shruti also discuss life in graduate school more generally--the good, the bad... & the ugly (just kidding). Papers Referenced in the Episode:1) Kinkel-Ram et al., 2021: Relations between implicit attitudes towards eating disorder stimuli and disordered eating symptoms among at-risk college women (Link)2) Kinkel-Ram et al., 2021: Testing intrusive thoughts as illness pathways between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms: a network analysis (Link)Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Picture Blurrfect tackles yet another eating disorder myth: that these diseases occur only in young people. Dr. Lisa Kilpela of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio joins the show to share how she studies eating disorder pathologies and body image in older women, what she and her team have found thus far, and how this research can inform future treatment strategies. Join Naomi for a quick detour at the beginning of the episode on her recent trip to her North Carolina which confirmed how much she hates calorie counts on restaurant menus!Papers Discussed in the Episode:1) Kilpela et al., 2015 - Body Image in Adult Women: Moving Beyond the Younger Years2) Wilfred et al., 2021 - Bing Eating Among Older Women: Prevalence Rates and Health Correlates Across Three Independent Sample 3) Kilpela et al., 2019 - Self-objectification and Eating Disorder Pathology in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Adult Women: Cross-sectional and Short-Term Longitudinal AssociationsKilpela Lab Website: click hereFollow Picture  Blurrfect on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Laura Berner of Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai joins Picture Blurrfect to share her research that investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying bulimia nervosa. Tune in to learn about which parts of the brain are most involved when individuals feel a "loss of control" and how this research can inform future pharmacological and therapeutic interventions. Paper referenced in the episode:1) Berner et al., 2022 - Altered prefrontal activation during the inhibition of eating responses in women with bulimia nervosa.Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media! And if you like what you hear, please subscribe, rate, and review.Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_blurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Carolyn Becker of Trinity University joins Picture Blurrfect to discuss her research on how  food insecurity -- people living without reliable access to food -- influences the development of eating disorders. As food insecurity worsens, the level of eating disorder pathology increases. Dr. Becker's work challenges what we think we know about eating disorders and can not only help inform future research but also economic policies that impact food insecurity across the globe.To read more about Dr. Becker's work on this topic:1) Food insecurity and eating disorder pathology - Becker et al., 20172) Eating disorder pathology among individuals living with food insecurity: a replication study - Becker et al., 20193) An exploratory examination of internalized weight stigma in a sample living with food insecurity - Becker et al., 20214) STAT Article (June 2020): "Among people facing food insecurity, researchers find a hidden health issue: eating disorders" - LinkFollow Picture Blurrfect on social media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi chats with Dr. Bryn Austin of Harvard Chan School of Public Health about the importance of advocacy for eating disorders at the state and federal level. Dr. Austin is the Founding Director of the Strategic Training Initiative for the Preventing of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) where she and her colleagues help train the next generation in eating disorder prevention. In this episode, Dr. Austin shares how the CDC recently removed questions pertaining to disordered eating habits on the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a survey the agency issues every other year and whose data is essential for researchers working in public health. The sudden elimination of the questions was a call-to-action for the eating disorder community. Note: Take a listen after the interview for an exciting update on this issue!Dr. Austin is also an active member of the Eating Disorders Coalition, an advocacy group that works to advance the recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority by building relationships on Capitol Hill.Links/Resources mentioned in the episode:1) STAT Article, "A decade without data: Eating disorder researchers say a gap in CDC survey has left them flying blind" [link]2) Harvard STRIPED [link]3) STRIPED Advocacy Playbook [link]4) The Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) [website]5) Register for EDC's Virtual National Advocacy Day - May 17, 2022! Registration here and more information hereQuestions, comments, or suggestions? E-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Grad Student Spotlight! Maddy Palermo (@maddy_palermo), PhD Candidate at University of South Florida, chats with Naomi about her research on over-exercising and disordered eating particularly within first year college students. What exactly is exercise identity and weight bias? More importantly, as more data are collected on these complex topics, Maddy shares how this research can benefit clinicians in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered eating. The paper Naomi and Maddy discuss: Palermo et al., 2020, Examining the impact of weight bias on the association between exercises identity and maladaptive exercise behaviors - Link Follow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_blurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

While hospitalization and death rates for those diagnosed with COVID-19 has dominated the news headlines over the last two years, Naomi pulls back the curtain with Dr. Kelly Allison of the University of Pennsylvania to discuss how the global pandemic has also negatively impacted those with eating disorders. The data, unfortunately, is alarming. But what the data tells us can help clinicians, therapists, and the scientific community build a sustainable framework moving forward. More importantly, it allows us to stop for a second and life each other up during these challenging times. Read the STAT article authored  by Dr. Allison from November 2020 here.To show your support for the podcast, follow Picture Blurrfect on social media and e-mail the host with ideas for future episodes!Twitter: @BlurrectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Eating disorders share numerous characteristics with anxiety disorders, but exactly how can this be measured and used to inform treatments in the clinical setting? Naomi chats with Dr. Erin Reilly of University of California San Francisco on her research exploring the relationship between anxiety and eating disorders/disordered eating. Dr. Reilly also shares a recent paper her lab published on how anhedonia (or loss of pleasure) changes during eating disorder treatment, and other ongoing research projects. Paper Mentioned in the Episode:Changes in anhedonia over the course of eating disorder treatment - Dolan et al., 2022 Connect with Picture Blurrfect on Social Media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi chats with Dr. Waller of the University of Sheffield about the various types of behavioral interventions used to treat eating disorders. From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to exposure therapy to family based therapy, each of these methods plays a critical role in eating disorder recovery. More importantly, Dr. Waller reflects on the challenges that clinicians face during therapy and strategies for overcoming them to ensure therapy is rewarding for both clinicians and clients. Books and Journal Articles Mentioned in the Episode:1) Waller et al., 2020: Cognitive-behavioral therapy in the time of coronavirus: Clinician tips for working with eating disorders via telehealth when face-to-face meetings are not possible: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/eat.232892) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Treatment Guide (Amazon Link)3)  Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Non-Underweight Patients: CBT-T for Eating Disorders (Amazon Link)4) Beating Your Eating Disorder: A Cognitive-Behavioral Self-Help Guide for Adult Sufferers and their Carers (Amazon Link)Follow Picture Blurrfect on Social Media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Welcome to Season 2! Naomi welcomes listeners back to a brand new season, offering encouragement to listeners who may be feeling triggered from all the weight-loss New Years resolutions. Later, Naomi chats with Dr. Burton Murray of Massachusetts General Hospital about the relationship between eating disorders and gastrointestinal problems, including gut-brain interaction disorders. To read more about the studies referenced in the episode:1) Burton Murray et al., 2020 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31923640/2) Burton Murray et al., 2021 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33244769/E-mail the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.comFollow Picture Blurrfect on social media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfect

In the season finale, Naomi talks with Dr. Drew Anderson of University of Albany about his work with eating disorders patients and how we can better discuss, research, and develop treatment strategies. Topics that Drew and Naomi chat about include compulsive exercise among eating disorder patients, body-checking and mirror exposure therapy, and ways we can discuss both obesity and eating disorders in our culture. While Picture Blurrfect is coming to an end for the year, we will be back and better than ever in January with Season 2! Naomi encourages all listeners to reach out to her (naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com) if you're struggling through the holiday season. Remember you are not alone and your feelings and experiences are valid. Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media! Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_Blurrfect 

Naomi chats with Cara Lisette, mental health campaigner in the UK about her recovery story for both anorexia and bipolar disorder.  While more research is needed, studies suggest that the comorbidity of these two diseases ranges from 0.6 to 33.3 percent.  Naomi and Cara talk about the awful comparison game that the eating disorder tries to play with our minds, how COVID-19 complicated recovery for so many, and why therapy is so important.As part of her recovery, Cara wrote "The Eating Disorder Recovery Journal," an interactive workbook to facilitate physicians, therapists, caregivers, and especially those navigating recovery. Coming April 2022! Pre-order here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eating-Disorder-Recovery-Journal/dp/1839970855/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=cara+lisette&qid=1629971238&sr=8-1Follow  Picture Blurrfect on social media! Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectE-mail the host with all thoughts, questions, or if you just want to say hey!, naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi chats with Dr. Sarah Fischer of George Mason University about her ongoing research with neuro-imaging to study the way acute stress impacts overall eating behavior, and how this differs in those with and without eating disorders. Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfect E-mail Naomi: naomi.charalambakis@gmail.com 

Naomi welcomes listeners back to the podcast after a few weeks hiatus by sharing stories and insights from her recent vacation to Iceland and Greece. Navigating life outside our "regular routines" can be difficult, especially with an eating disorder that tries to dictate our every move. For the host, in several instances there was growth on this trip. But on various other levels, the eating disorder still persists and wins out. So it begs the question... is 100% recovery ever possible? Follow Picture Blurrfect on social media:Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectContact Naomi: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Psychiatrist Guido Frank, MD, joins Picture Blurrfect to discuss his lab's most recent paper in JAMA Psychiatry that sheds light on how eating disorder behavior can activate different circuits in the brain that control food intake. Naomi and Dr. Frank also talk about the importance of treating depression and anxiety concurrently with eating disorder behavior during treatment and recovery. Read more about Dr. Frank's work: https://profiles.ucsd.edu/guido.frank and view his most recent publication here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2781384Follow Picture Blurrent on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @Picture_BlurrfectE-mail: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Dr. Rachel Goode of UNC Chapel Hill joins Picture Blurrfect to discuss her research that addresses the racial and socioeconomic disparities in eating disorder treatment, particularly among Black women with binge eating disorder. What do we know so far and what are the existing knowledge gaps that still need to be addressed? In the episode, Dr. Goode emphasizes that if you don't know where to go to for help, start with a book. She offered the following recommendations:1) Overcoming Binge Eating by Christopher Fairburn 2) Appetite Awareness Workbook by Linda Craighead3) Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating and Bulimia by Debra Safer et al. Also be sure to check out Dr. Goode's research laboratory website! The Living FREE (Focused on Reducing Excessive Eating) Lab: https://livingfreelab.orgFollow Picture Blurrfect on social! E-mail the host any time with thoughts, questions, or if just need someone to talk to: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfect 

Naomi talks with Dr. April Smith, Director of the Research on Eating Disorders and Suicide (REDS) Lab at Auburn University about her ongoing research into suicidal thoughts and behaviors among those with eating disorders and/or disordered eating. Dr. Smith discusses interoceptive deficits among these individuals, how technology could facilitate treatment, as well as her research on the rates of suicide among males with muscle dysmorphia. And a special guest appearance from husband of the pod, Brad Wilkerson! If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know you are not alone and there are numerous resources out there: 1) Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK2) Text "hello" to 741741Also mentioned on the podcast was a new resource from Dr. Kathryn Gordon, available everywhere July 1: "The Suicidal Thoughts Workbook: CBT Skills to Reduce Emotional Pain, Increase Hope, and Prevent Suicide" Check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Suicidal-Thoughts-Workbook-Emotional-Increase/dp/1684037026 

Naomi talks with Dr. Cheri Levinson, Associate Professor and Director of the Eating Anxiety Treatment Lab at the University of Louisville about how eating disorders are becoming more prevalent in young adolescents as research funding for eating disorders continues to dwindle. Follow Dr. Levinson and her lab on social media:Twitter: @CheriLev ; @uofleatlabInstagram: @uofleatlab The EAT Lab is currently recruiting individuals for its Predicting Recovery Study! More information available here:   http://www.louisvilleeatlab.com/predicting-recovery-study-online.htmlBe sure to follow Picture Blurrfect on social media!Twitter: @BlurrfectInstagram: @picture_blurrfectContact the host: naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com 

Naomi talks with Jason Wood, a survivor of orthorexia who shares his story to raise awareness about this lesser-known eating disorder. More importantly, Jason uses his message to encourage others--especially men--to speak up and help break down the stigma surrounding eating disorders. Follow Jason on social media and check out his website www.orthorexiabites.com. His new book, Starving for Survival will be released later this year!Twitter: @OrthorexiaBInstagram: @orthorexiabites Have questions? Or you just need someone to talk to? E-mail Naomi at naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com and follow the podcast on Twitter! @Blurrfect

In this episode, Naomi talks with PhD Candidate Laura McGeown of Lakehead University to discuss the problems associated with calorie labels on restaurant menus. According to the evidence, this practice is not only ineffective but causes more harm for those suffering from mental health diseases including eating disorders. In order to implement evidence-based and effective policies, we must understand the data and listen to stakeholders, including those that may be affected by potential proposals. Read (soon-to-be) Dr. McGeown's 2019 paper on menu calorie counts published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30701412/ Have questions? Need someone to talk to? E-mail the host any time at naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com Be sure to follow Picture Blurrfect on Twitter! @Blurrfect 

Naomi chats with Hope Virgo, multi-award winning author, speaker, and advocate for eating disorders in the UK about her previous struggle with anorexia, and how she's using her story to make waves around the world. Naomi and Hope talk about a wide-range of issues including triggers, exercise obsession, and her leadership with the "Dump the Scales" campaign, an initiative that calls for doctors to not use weight as the sole indicator for eating disorder treatment. Follow Hope on social media:Twitter: @HopeVirgoInstagram: @hopevirgo_Have questions or suggestions for the host? Need someone to talk to? E-mail Naomi any time at naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com

Naomi has an honest conversation with Elyse Rochman, a licensed clinical social worker that specializes in eating disorder therapy, about not only the importance of therapy, but the value of developing trusting, safe relationships in a world that tells us to run, hide, and be ashamed of ourselves. If you'd like more information about Elyse and her private practice, visit her profile on Psychology Today. Got tips, questions, or comments for the host? Feel free to contact Naomi any time at naomi.charalambakis90@gmail.com