Treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

The Explanation of Eating Disorders: A Critical Analysis

Eating disorders (EDs) are one of the most severe and complex mental health problems facing researchers and clinicians today. The effective prevention and treatment of these conditions is therefore of paramount importance. However, at present our treatments fall short: generally demonstrating only poor to moderate efficacy, and often completely ineffective for severe or chronic cases. A possible reason for this is that the current theories underlying these treatments are flawed. In this paper, we review and evaluate several prominent theoretical explanations associated with current frontline and promising treatments for ED. In doing so, we identify fundamental problems within the construction of current ED explanations and their implications for treatment. In response to these findings, we propose several strategies for the construction of future ED explanations which we believe have the power to ameliorate these problems and potentially help to develop more efficacious treatment downstream.

Toward the Incorporation of Forgiveness Therapy in Healing the Wounds of Eating Disorders

This article describes the utilization of forgiveness therapy with a 26-year-old female recovering anorexic. She presents for treatment highly distressed over her commission of self-injurious behaviors and ensuing harm to her person. The process model is used to facilitate self-forgiveness. Emotion provides the main analytical context for the case study. The inability to manage negative affective states is seen as a significant factor contributing to the etiology of eating disorders (EDs). In the aftermath of eating disordered behaviors, negative feelings about the self may impede full recovery. In the therapeutic process described, it is the emotional changes attempted by the client that stand out as central in her eventual attainment of self-forgiveness. The implications of the case study for practitioners considering the use of forgiveness therapy with clients recovering from EDs, as well as the gamut of self-injurious behaviors, are considered. The important role of attachment processes in the utilization of this innovative therapeutic modality is underscored.

Cognitive behavioral approaches in adolescent anorexia and bulimia nervosa

This article starts with what is known about cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in adults with eating disorders and with some developmental considerations about CBT in children and adolescents. It then considers how CBT might be adapted for adolescents with eating disorders and reviews the current knowledge base on CBT in adolescents. The article finishes with some thoughts on future developments in this area.