Psychiatrist Jennifer Derenne specializes in eating disorders. Most eating disorders begin in adolescence, but they can appear much earlier – or later – in life, too. To begin healing, Derenne works with an interdisciplinary team to first stabilize and renourish her patients and uses evidence-based psychotherapy that incorporates strong family involvement. Recent clinical studies are exploring the use of psychedelics to open new avenues for treating these notoriously hard-to-treat illnesses. Eating disorders are a life-threatening medical condition, Derenne asserts, telling host Russ Altman that “food is the best medicine” on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Jennifer L. Derenne, MD

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• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Jennifer Derenne, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.

(00:03:11) Studying Eating Disorders

Jennifer’s path from pediatrics to psychiatry and studying eating disorders.

(00:03:44) Types of Eating Disorders

A breakdown of the main diagnoses and what distinguishes them.

(00:04:59) Who Gets Eating Disorders?

The age ranges of those affected and when symptoms first appear.

(00:05:46) Disordered Vs. Normal Eating

Distinguishing common weight concerns from dangerous dysfunction.

(00:07:15) Treating Teen Eating Disorders

Why family involvement is crucial and treatment focuses on behaviors.

(00:08:56) Genetics & Social Media

The different risk factors that can contribute to disordered eating.

(00:10:08) Smartphones & Mental Health

The impact of smartphones on the development of coping mechanisms.

(00:12:32) Transitioning to College

Why mental health can destabilize during the move to independence.

(00:15:51) Treating Eating Disorders

The multidisciplinary approach to treating disordered eating.

(00:18:39) Supervision & Safety

The importance of supervision and medical follow-ups to help prevent relapse.

(00:21:03) AI in Adolescent Psychiatry

​​The pros and cons of AI tools in adolescent mental health support.

(00:25:21) The Limits of Medication

How medications often target comorbidities rather than the eating disorder itself.

(00:27:08) Psychedelics Research

Emerging studies on using psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders.

(00:29:47) Future In a Minute

Rapid-fire Q&A: curiosity, treatment optimism, and becoming a book editor.

(00:31:48) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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