Eating Disorders Awareness Week is taking place February 1-7, 2004. At the Douglas Hospital, Howard Steiger, PhD, director of the Eating Disorders Program (EDP), together with his team of professionals, offers ultraspecialized services to adults suffering from anorexia and bulimia.

The EDP team, composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, dieticians, occupational therapists, and nurses, favors an individualized approach, adapted to the needs of each individual. They are involved with their clientele and their families, at all stages of the illness, in order to increase the chances of recovery. For people with severe medical and psychological complications, for whom external treatment is not sufficient, the EDP has a hospital unit with six beds.

In addition to services offered to its clientele, Howard Steiger conducts nationally and internationally recognized research into the causes, nature and treatment of eating disorders. The EDP also serves as a regional Eating Disorders Information Centre. It is the only large-scale program of its kind in the province of Quebec and includes clinical, research, and teaching services.

Subjects of Interest to the Public:

Howard Steiger is available for interviews on:

• The results of his research, concerning genetic factors that may predispose an individual to develop an eating disorder;
• The opening of the first eating disorder day hospital in Quebec;
• The cult of beauty and anorexia;
• Clinical treatments for people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Information

Florence Meney
Media Relation
Communications and public affairs
Phone: 514-761-6131, ext. 2769
Cell.: 514-835-3236
florence_dot_meney_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca