Publications by authors named "Casey MacDermod"
Background: The Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder - Genes and Environment (ARFID-GEN) study is a study of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to risk for developing ARFID in children and adults.
Methods: A total of 3,000 children and adults with ARFID from the United States will be included. Parents/guardians and their children with ARFID (ages 7 to 17) and adults with ARFID (ages 18 +) will complete comprehensive online consent, parent verification of child assent (when applicable), and phenotyping.
Background: The Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Genes and Environment (ARFID-GEN) study is a study of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to risk for developing ARFID in children and adults.
Methods: A total of 3,000 children and adults with ARFID from the United States will be included. Parents/guardians and their children with ARFID (ages 7 to 17) and adults with ARFID (ages 18+) will complete comprehensive online consent, parent verification of child assent (when applicable), and phenotyping.
Recommendations to encourage participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in psychiatric genetic studies.
Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet
July 2022
We present innovative research practices in psychiatric genetic studies to ensure representation of individuals from diverse ancestry, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, age, body shape and size, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Due to histories of inappropriate and harmful practices against marginalized groups in both psychiatry and genetics, people of certain identities may be hesitant to participate in research studies. Yet their participation is essential to ensure diverse representation, as it is incorrect to assume that the same genetic and environmental factors influence the risk for various psychiatric disorders across all demographic groups.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) is an international investigation exploring the role of genes and environment in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Methods: A total of 14,500 individuals with eating disorders and 1500 controls will be included from the United States (US), Australia (AU), New Zealand (NZ), and Denmark (DK). In the US, AU, and NZ, participants will complete comprehensive online phenotyping and will submit a saliva sample for genotyping.
Article Synopsis
- Researchers studied the early effects of COVID-19 on people with eating disorders in the US and Netherlands by surveying 1,021 participants about their mental health and treatment experiences during the pandemic.
- Findings showed that individuals with anorexia nervosa faced heightened food restriction fears, while those with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder experienced increased binge episodes and urges.
- Despite some negative impacts like increased anxiety, participants also noted positive outcomes, such as improved family connections and more time for self-care, highlighting the need for tailored healthcare responses during COVID-19.
Article Synopsis
- Researchers evaluated the early impact of COVID-19 on individuals with eating disorders in the US (511 participants) and the Netherlands (510 participants) using online surveys to assess various aspects of their lives and mental health.
- Results showed significant negative effects on eating disorder behaviors, with many participants experiencing increased restrictions and anxiety, particularly those with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, some participants reported positive outcomes, such as improved connections with family and greater motivation for recovery.
Background: Despite Guatemala's large indigenous population, indigenous health is often neglected in reported health data and interventions. Although this data is limited in scope, it shows that indigenous people have poorer health outcomes. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are now a growing threat in Guatemala and pose great risk to the wellbeing of its indigenous population.
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