More than 30 psychologists, counselors, psychiatrists and nutritionists participated in a full-day workshop I offered on Friday in San Salvador, El Salvador on the subject of advances in the understanding and treatment of eating disorders, at the invitation of
Asociacion Estima, a non-governmental organization established to raise awareness and educate the public and professionals about prevention and treatment. It was a dynamic, interactive workshop that ignited the curiosity of the local professionals about new theories and interventions that are based on insights from neuroscience. A second, half-day seminar was geared to helping parents and family members recognize the symptoms and understand how to navigate the sensitive path of dealing with a loved one who is struggling. More than 50 participants attended and mentioned cases of young men with anorexia and bulimia, shattering the myth that these disorders only affect women in developed nations. Participants also reported cases in all socio-economic groups. The nation's main newspaper,
El Diario de Hoy, today published a story about the presentations and highlighted some of my remarks. I am grateful to Julia Raquel Aguilar de Orellana, president of Asociacion Estima, for her tireless work on behalf of the foundation and her gracious efforts to make me feel welcome. Her passionate dedication to this cause is changing the attitudes and perceptions of both professionals and the general public in El Salvador about eating disorders.
