DETT
Disordered Eating & Transgenerational Ties
Disordered Eating & Transgenerational Ties
Disordered Eating (DE) is a common mental health condition worldwide that carries high morbidity and mortality rates. Frequently occurring with depression, bipolar, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, or/and substance abuse. According to research DE has increased globally by over 30%.
DE can be difficult to detect, subtle and often overlooked. It can show up in different ways in individuals across all ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weight ranges. Researchers and practitioners have found it hard to identify a single cause for DE; rather, there is a complex interplay of biology, genetics, personality, social, and cultural factors that are unique to a person.
As mental health professionals in India, we recognise a significant gap in research, awareness, and specialised training in this area. There is a need to bridge this gap for early identification and interventions to support the individual and their families.
After a year of reviewing research papers, conversations and shared reflections, IORT and SIFF have come together to offer a one- year experiential training program to address this gap. This course, Disordered Eating & Transgenerational Ties, is designed to train a multi-disciplinary team that is inclusive of psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers, nutritionists, medical professionals, and parents of adolescent children. Our shared vision is to build a community of trained professionals and significant stakeholders.
Duration / Structure
This is a one-year training program that follows a hybrid model – starting on 27th August, 2026 and timed to end by November 2027 (taking into consideration festivals and holiday breaks). The training days will be every alternate Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm. The first meeting will be in person on 27th August, followed by zoom sessions and in person meetings.
The course will include recent perspectives gleaned from research and practice in epigenetic, neuroscience, multicultural sensitivity, and intergenerational trauma linked to DE.
Training Methodology
The methodology will be governed by experiential/expressive activities that connect theoretical knowledge to the lived experiences of the trainees. Skill and competency development will be facilitated through live demonstrations by faculty and supervised practice.
This program, like other training offered by IORT, will rest on the construct of ‘relationality.’ Our main faculty for the course is Vanaja Ammanath, along with specialist guest lectures working with DE from across India and globally.