eating disorders
Dr Simon Wilksch; BPsych (Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology) is both a researcher and clinician in the area of eating disorders. He is a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University in Adelaide, leading research projects in the area of eating disorder risk factors, prevention, early intervention, and improving treatment experience and outcomes for patients and their families. He also runs a clinic with eight other therapists providing treatment to over 300 children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing an eating disorder. In this interview with Dr Wilksch we discuss eating disorders and the relationship between social media use and disordered eating patterns in young adolescents.
How long have you been doing your research?
I started my PhD back in 2003 and finished in 2007, so approaching 20 years now.
And you’re down at Flinders University in Adelaide?
Yes. I split my time between being at the university and my clinic. So I have both the research and the clinical work going on.
How would you define an eating disorder?
As with most mental health concerns it’s not so much about the diagnosis itself, but what impact its having on the person’s life.
