Treatment of Eating Disorders

Drugs –

primarily antidepressants

Drugs are generally ineffective for

anorexia nervosa

SSRIs are good for

bulimia

Psychological treatments –

usually cognitive behavioral therapy

W/ psychological treatments, there’s emphasis on

core pathological mechanism: Distorted body image

Psychological Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E)

What is the treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E)

Medical Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa

Antidepressants

What can antidepressants do for bulimia nervosa?

Can help reduce binging and purging behavior

For binge eating disorder, previously used medications for obesity are

now not recommended

Psychological Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder:

• CBT

• Interpersonal psychotherapy

• Self-help techniques

Psychological Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder: CBT-

effective

Psychological Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder: Interpersonal psychotherapy—

equally effective as CBT

Psychological Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder: Self-help techniques—

effective

Psychological Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder: IPT was effective for

both rapid and nonrapid responders

Psychological Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Weight

restoration

What is the first and easiest goal to achieve when treating anorexia nervosa?

weight restoration

Psychological Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Behavioral and

cognitive interventions

Behavioral and cognitive interventions -

Target food, weight, body image, thought, and emotion

Psychological Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Treatment often involves

family

Psychological Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: FBT has

the most support from clinical trials for treating adolescents with anorexia

Preventing Eating Disorders: Often focuses on

promoting body acceptance in adolescent girls

Preventing Eating Disorders: Identify

specific targets

Preventing Eating Disorders: Screening for

at risk groups

Preventing Eating Disorders: Provide

education