Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders essays

Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders essays Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders Fairburn et al. argue that an extreme need to control eating is a central feature of Anorexia nervosa, and that in Western societies a tendency to judge self worth in terms of shape and weight is superimposed on this need for self control, (1999). The DSM IV diagnostic criteria for AN includes the refusal or inability to maintain body weight over a minimum normal weight for age and height, e.g. weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight 15 percent below that expected. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though underweight is also a characteristic seen in AN patients. The DSM IV also states that in females, absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when otherwise expected to occur is a diagnostic criteria as well. Use of cognitive behavioral therapy is often the most productive, (Hoffman, 1993). Cognitive behavior therapists focus on changing eating behaviors usually by rewarding or modeling wanted behavior. These therapists also help patients work to change the distorted and rigid thinking patterns associated with eating disorders, (Hoffman, 1993). The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy believes that by combining cognitive, behavioral, and nutritional interventions, many people with eating disorders may be helped significantly in gaining greater control over eating and in reducing their depression and anxiety. Kleifield et al. propose that the rationale for treatments are based on two primary assumptions about the anorectic condition: a) that An develops as a way of coping with life stresses, and b) AN develops into a self- sustaining food phobia. CBT techniques are therefore aimed at confronting the patients fears and avoidance behaviors, identifying the patients areas of deficient problem solving skills, particularly in the interpersonal realm, and cultivating ...