In honor of the draft release of new DSM-5 criteria, I was inspired to discuss a new disorder that is just beginning to receive empirical support. I came across a recent article on Time.com that introduced Orthorexia by talking about Kristie Rutzel, a young lady that wanted to start eating healthier by cutting out processed foods. Kristie enjoyed her healthier eating so much that she began restricting herself to whole foods and later 100% organic foods. Within several years, Kristie had placed herself on a strict raw-foods diet that plummeted her weight down to 68 lbs and lead to symptoms of anemia and osteopenia.

Wanted: Clinicians’ Feedback on Treating Panic Disorder

(This announcement is from Dr. Marvin Goldfried. Please take the survey. It should take about 10 minutes.)

Once a drug has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) as a result of clinical trials, practitioners have the opportunity to offer feedback to the FDA on any shortcomings in the use of the drug in clinical practice. The Society of Clinical Psychology, Division 12 of the American Psychological Association, is in the process of establishing a mechanism whereby practicing psychotherapists can report their clinical experiences using empirically supported treatments (ESTs).

This is not only an opportunity for clinicians to share their experiences with other therapists, but also can offer information that can encourage researchers to investigate ways of overcoming these limitations. We are starting with the treatment of panic disorder, but will extend our efforts to the treatment of other problems at a later time.

A new brochure has been developed to help clinicians reduce violence in the practice of psychology through the work of the Division 12 Section VII/APA Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance and the APA Practice Directorate. From the brochure (pdf download):

Few challenges facing psychology practitioners are more distressing than the possibility of patient violence toward the clinician. According to national surveys, roughly 1/3 of practicing psychologists have concerns about possible patient violence; and, 15% - 25% are at risk of being assaulted by a patient at some point in their careers. Most instances of patient assault have not resulted in serious harm or injury; however, the emotional distress on the clinician can be substantial, and it is usually far more disturbing than any physical injury.

Education and training in the evaluation and management of potentially violent patients is often minimal. Because of the complexity of such patients and the high intensity of the context in which they can present, it is helpful to be prepared with knowledge and some plans for dealing with this situation.

Please download a copy today. The .pdf file is formatted for double-sided printing. You may download a copy for onscreen viewing, as well.

We know we're behind the times. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn. There are as many social networking sites as there are schools of psychotherapy. We have decided to join just 2 of them: Facebook and Twitter. There's not a whole lot going on at either of those 2 accounts at this time, but go ahead and add us/follow us anyway so you can get the latest updates on the site and the Society's happenings.

We'd also love to hear from you about how you'd like to make the site better and features you'd like to add. Of course, the easiest way is to email us directly. You may also message us through either of those sites after you've added us.

I am happy to report that Hogrefe just released Richard McKeon's new book, Suicidal Behavior, as  the 14th volume in the Hogrefe/Division 12 series Advances in Psychotherapy: Evidence Based Practice.  
 
Some comments from early reviews:
 
“We are entering a “no nonsense” period of suicidological theorizing and practice, with a substantial emphasis on empirical roots. In these exciting times, Richard McKeon is an indispensable intellectual guide. I was thrilled to read his Suicidal Behavior which spells out, kurz und klar, an easily digestible point of view as to what suicide really is. Get this book!”
Edwin S. Shneidman, PhD, Professor of Thanatology Emeritus UCLA and Founder of the American Association of Suicidology

“Books describing theory and research about suicide are plentiful, but guidebooks providing clinicians with specific, useful counsel on working with suicidal individuals are rare. Richard McKeon has written just such a volume. Suicidal Behavior is a scholarly yet practical manual for mental health service providers of all stripes. It is a remarkably clear and accessible volume, concise yet broad in scope and grounded in solid, current empirical evidence. It will be valued by clinicians at all levels of experience, from trainee to seasoned therapist.”
Thomas E. Ellis, PsyD, ABPP, Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine and Associate Director of Psychology, The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX