The Hierarchy of Eating Disorder Diagnoses with Cara Lisette

In this week's episode, Han is joined by Cara Lisette, a mental health advocate, qualified mental health nurse, and children's therapist. Cara, who has battled anorexia since age 12, now stable in recovery for two years, is also an author of the Eating Disorder Recovery Journal and The Bipolar Disorder Journal. Her works are influenced by her personal experiences and professional expertise. Additionally, Cara maintains a thriving mental health blog centred around her anorexia recovery.

• Cara's eating disorder diagnoses (anorexia nervosa and purging disorder), what they mean, and how they have been treated differently in clinical practice.

• The hierarchy of diagnostic labels, why diagnostic labels can be important and how their evidence base may not be as useful in individualised clinical practice as we believe.

• The importance of exploring an individual's behaviours, worries, and concerns that drive an eating disorder, rather than the diagnosis and the expectation of symptoms.

• Cara's tips for clinicians to help support a patient on their recovery journey.

• The importance of being honest in recovery and not putting on your "best self", and caring for you as well as others.

• Cara's tips for recovery and the feeling of "stuckness".

To find out more about Cara and her work, you can find her on Instagram and Twitter @caralisette or head over to her blog at www.caras-corner.com.

Kindly note, this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.