Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an obsession with healthy eating and dieting lifestyles that occupies the person’s time, energy and mental resources, frequently impairing their ability to socialize, lead normal life and function properly within a society. ON, although observed for an extended period of time is still under researched, mainly in areas of diagnosis and treatment, let alone to determine if ON is a separate condition or a subset of other obsessive-compulsive and eating disorders that share similar symptoms. This presentation explores Orthorexia Nervosa phenomenon focusing on its possible assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Original research presented will explore the relationship between orthorexia features and obsessive-compulsive pathology in male and female university students. 

Bio Sketch of Christine Costa, DNP, PMHNP-BC: I have expertise in the following areas: assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric patients across the lifespan (child/adolescent, adult, geriatric). My clinical experience involves working with patients suffering from trauma, forensic patients, college students, eating disorders and homeless populations. My current clinical work as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner includes working with eating disorder patients enrolled in the partial hospitalization program and outpatient day treatment program. As part of my work as an Assistant Professor/Coordinator of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program I engage in research and scholarly activity with a focus on eating disorders.

Bio Sketch of Kholoud Khalil, Ph.D, MSN, CCRN: Assistant Professor of Nursing, California State University Long Beach, Nursing department. Completed a doctoral dissertation targeting immigrant underserved population in six main areas, nutrition, health responsibility, exercise, stress management, interpersonal relations, and spiritual growth. Current research involves eating disorders and immigrant populations. My clinical work and expertise is critical care.