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ADHD and Eating Disorders: Disentangling the Complex Brain-Behavior Relationship
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Due to the higher prevalence of eating disorders among individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and vice versa...
It’s likely that if you are working with a client with ADHD, they likely have an eating disorder.
But knowing how to effectively treat this unique client is extremely complex.
You must understand if the symptoms are related to one over the other, or both.
And when not treated simultaneously, clients end up with unhealthy coping mechanisms leading to a perpetual cycle of physical, emotional, and psychological distress and dysfunction.
Join ADHD and eating disorder expert Dena Cabrera, Psy.D., CEDS, as she guides you through how:
- The brain-behavior relationship between ADHD and eating disorders works
- Each condition can exacerbate the other's symptoms
- Genetic, neurological, psychological, and environmental factors play a role
- An untreated eating disorder can worsen ADHD symptoms
You’ll also learn how to use:
- An ADHD lens for eating disorders treatment
- Body-based interventions for body image concerns
- Polyagal Theroy-infomred interventions for nervous system regulation
- Sensory strategies for sensitivities, picky eating, and cravings
- Techniques for managing client’s strong emotions as well as releasing them
- Nutrition rehabilitation to keep client’s medically and emotionally safe
Attend this session so you can make a significant positive impact on your clients' journeys toward recovery of both conditions and improved overall well-being!
Dena Cabrera, PsyD, CEDS
Dena Cabrera, PsyD, CEDS, is a clinical psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist with a wealth of diverse clinical experience, including over 24 years of treating individuals, families, and groups with a range of psychological and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Cabrera is the owner and operator of Cabrera Psychological Services, a private practice specializing eating disorders, anxiety and ADHD as well as co-occurring issues.
As a former executive clinical leader, Dr. Cabrera has worked in all levels of care of treatment. She has worked at the helped run two of the most established and world-renowned eating disorder treatment centers. Dr. Cabrera is an advocate for policy change as it pertains to prevention, awareness, and treatment for eating disorders.
Her specialized training includes neuropsychological and psychological assessment, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Polyvagal theory.
Dr. Cabrera is a nationally recognized eating disorder leader in the field as well as a sought-after presenter. She is the author of Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty and Life After Pregnancy, the first resource of its kind that speaks to moms through a personal and compassionate lens that assists in healing from body-image disturbances and eating disorders.
Dr. Cabrera is on the board and serves as past president of IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals) and is the speaker’s chair for the local Phoenix IAEDP chapter. She is an advisory board member of Rock Recovery and a board member of the Eating Disorder Coalition.
Dr. Cabrera has appeared on nationally televised shows such as Anderson Cooper and The Early Show, as well as local Arizona networks. In 2023, she received the Excellence in Leadership award from the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals.
Dr. Cabrera has her own lived experience with ADHD. Her mission is to empower clients to find an identity apart from weight, shape, size, and struggles.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dena Cabrea maintains a private practice. She receives royalties as a published author. Dena Cabrea receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dena Cabrea is a member of the Academy of Eating Disorders, the American Psychological Association, and the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
