Eating-Related Disorders and Disorders of Sleep

Mental health challenges related to nutrition and rest are increasingly common. This course offers an accessible and comprehensive exploration of eating and sleeping disorders, providing you with the knowledge to recognize clinical signs and understand the complexities of recovery.

We begin with an introduction to the diagnostic process for mental health conditions and the complexities involved in identifying them. You will learn how psychological disorders are diagnosed and explore the nuances and challenges clinicians face during the assessment process. By understanding the "why" and "how" of diagnosis, you will gain an understanding of how mental health is categorized.

The first half of the course focuses on eating-related disorders. We dive into the specific nature of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. You will examine the "big picture" of these conditions, looking at how biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors intertwine to influence their development. We also discuss evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment, highlighting the pathways to health and recovery.

The second half of the course shifts to the science of rest. You will learn about the functions and stages of sleep, how rest is scientifically measured, and how sleep-wake disorders are classified. We break down the differences between dyssomnias, such as insomnia or narcolepsy, and parasomnias, such as sleepwalking or night terrors.

Whether you are a student, a caregiver, or simply interested in personal wellness, this course empowers you to understand the impact of these disorders on daily functioning and the various treatment strategies available to improve health. 

Learning objectives

• Explain how psychological disorders are diagnosed.
• Discuss issues that arise when diagnosing people with a disorder.
• Describe eating disorders as a diagnostic category.
• Explain the nature of anorexia nervosa.
• Explain the nature of bulimia nervosa.
• Explain the nature of binge eating disorder.
• Summarize biological, psychological, and sociocultural contributors to eating disorders.
• Describe approaches to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.
• Describe the functions, stages, and methods of measuring sleep, and explain how sleep-wake disorders are classified and diagnosed.
• Describe the characteristics, causes, and consequences of major dyssomnias and their impact on health and daily functioning.
• Differentiate major parasomnias by their features, associated sleep stages, and common symptoms.
• Describe approaches to the treatment of sleep-wake disorders.