A Clothing Group for Adolescents with Eating Disorders: A Role for Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Eating disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions and can have a long-term impact, disrupting the cardiac system, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, cognitive functions, and many other systems of the body. In addition to the physical impacts, eating disorders effect occupational functioning, roles and routines, social participation, and often accompany other mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. Occupational therapists have a unique and valuable role in eating disorder recovery and mental health. Increased efforts of advocacy are needed to bolster the presence of occupational therapy in this area of practice. This capstone student assisted with the development of a clothing group within the adolescent intensive outpatient program at a local center for eating disorders. This group addresses the relationship with clothing and how clothes can be used to portray elements of identity, culture, and expression as opposed to this expression being controlled by negative body image or self-esteem. In addition to clothing group development, this capstone project advocated for the role of occupational therapy in eating disorder recovery.