Sound Mind/Sound Body: Best Practices and Innovative Approaches for Body Image Distress (BID) in Medically Ill Patients – Promises and Pitfalls

Academy of Consult-Liaison Psychiatry Annual Meeting, San Antonio TX

Individuals with medical illnesses frequently experience changes in appearance or function that contribute to BID and lead to increases in depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and poor treatment adherence. CL psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to address BID but often lack training in this area. This symposium will equip providers with foundational knowledge and skills needed to address BID with a focus on innovative approaches and evidence-based clinical practices.

Attendees will learn about a novel patient-centered body image research and therapy program, application of this model in case-based discussions, and future directions of assessing BID using a new assessment tool informed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and developed by our panelists. Participants will also consider potential limitations of implementing these models across clinical settings.

Facilitators:

• Michelle Fingeret, Ph.D., Fingeret Psychology Services
• Joshua Brown, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Stephanie Tung, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• John Salsman, Ph.D., Wake Forest University