11
Treating Eating Disorders
The previous chapter described the etiology of anorexia and bulimia in terms
of six different theoretical perspectives. These were a physiological model,
a psychoanalytic model, a cognitive behavioral model, a family systems model,
a sociocultural model, and one focusing on significant events. At times
models of etiology translate into a treatment perspective. For example, a
psychoanalytic theory of the etiology of eating disorders forms the basis of
psychoanalytic psychotherapy, a cognitive formulation results in cognitive
behavioral treatment, and a family systems analysis results in family therapy.
This chapter first describes these three treatment perspectives and evaluates
evidence for their effectiveness. Some etiological theories, however, do not
translate into a treatment approach, and most treatment approaches involve
an integration of the different perspectives. In addition, some individuals
with anorexia are in a critical state and need treatment to get them back
to a physically stable state. This chapter illustrates how inpatient treatment
offers an integrated approach to the treatment of anorexia. Self-help groups
for bulimia are also available, which draw on a range of the different
theoretical perspectives described below. Other treatment interventions such
as drug treatments and, more controversially, surgery are sometimes used,
but are not commonplace and are not covered here.
This chapter covers the following:
- Psychoanalytic psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Inpatient treatment
- An integrated approach to treatment