Study Finds Many Psychotherapists Lack Training for Eating Disorders in Boys

Why It Matters

Without adequate clinician preparation, boys and men risk underdiagnosis and delayed care, perpetuating rising prevalence and health disparities in eating‑related disorders. Strengthening training directly improves early detection and treatment outcomes across North America.

Key Takeaways

• Psychotherapists report low confidence treating male eating disorders
• Over 25% lack any knowledge of male eating disorders
• Training improves competence, but muscularity-focused modules rated low
• Male-specific risk factors remain under‑addressed in curricula
• New graduate course offers gender‑responsive assessment tools

Pulse Analysis

The surge in eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia among adolescent boys and young men is reshaping mental‑health priorities across North America. Historically, diagnostic criteria and treatment manuals have been calibrated to female presentations, leaving male‑specific symptom patterns—such as a focus on muscularity, bulking cycles, and excessive exercise—largely invisible. This gender bias contributes to under‑recognition in primary care and outpatient settings, where psychotherapists serve as the first point of contact.

\n\nClinician surveys reveal that more than 25% of therapists lack any knowledge of eating disorders in males, and nearly half are unfamiliar with muscle dysmorphia. Even when training is provided, modules targeting muscularity‑oriented concerns receive the lowest effectiveness ratings, indicating a mismatch between educational content and real‑world case complexity. The consequence is a higher risk of misdiagnosis, delayed referrals, and treatment dropout among male patients, who already face stigma and lower help‑seeking rates. \n\nUniversities and professional bodies are beginning to respond.

The University of Toronto’s new graduate‑level course on Eating Disorders Assessment and Treatment equips future social workers with practical skills to assess muscularity‑focused symptoms, adapt language for male clients, and address cultural stigma. Scaling such programs through continuing‑education webinars, certification tracks, and insurance‑covered training modules could create a market incentive for broader adoption. Policymakers and health systems should also consider mandating gender‑responsive competencies in licensure requirements, ensuring that the next generation of psychotherapists is prepared to meet the evolving landscape of eating‑related disorders.