Models of Abnormality

The main paradigms of abnormal behavior—behavioral, biological, cognitive, psychodynamic, and sociocultural—vary widely. These various theories of abnormality help us see individuals through different lenses. Each model begins with different assumptions, arrives at different conclusions, and uses different treatment methods depending on the initial clinical issue. Although it is best to try to understand abnormal behavior from several perspectives, some treatments may be more appropriate and have more evidence of efficacy than others.

Eating disorders are a case in point. Although abnormal patterns of eating arise from a combination of factors—biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and sociocultural—cognitive-behavioral treatment has been a leading treatment for anorexia and bulimia. In order to better understand and treat eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, it is wise to not only build on existing knowledge but also to use strengths from an already widely accepted perspective. Researchers in the United Kingdom have developed a new form of psychotherapy that has the potential to cure more than 8 of 10 cases of eating disorders in adults. This new “enhanced” form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) builds on and improves the current leading treatment for anorexia and bulimia nervosa as recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes the addition of a new eating disorder, referred to as Binge Eating Disorder (BED). As a newly identified disorder, there is limited research on afflicted populations, and theories and treatment therapies are still being assessed for reliability and validity.

http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/12/16/behavioral-therapy-for-eating-disorders/3510.html

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/new-dsm-5-binge-eating-disorder

After reading the online article, “Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders,” and the National Eating Disorders Association’s article, “New in the DSM-5: Binge Eating Disorder,” consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

Question 1

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According to the article about behavioral therapy for the treatment of eating disorders, diagnoses of anorexia and bulimia are common in women between what ages?

Question 2

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Question 3

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Question 4

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Considering what you have learned so far, why is cognitive-behavioral therapy an important component in the treatment of any of the eating disorders?
Answers will vary. One possibility: Cognitive-behavioral therapy targets both cognitive distortions related to body image and self-esteem, as well as the behaviors that maintain the disordered eating pathology.

Question 5

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According to the article about binge eating disorder (BED), it is one of the most common eating disorders. Approximately 2% of men are diagnosed with BED, with the diagnosis made most commonly during mid-life. Name one possible reason for its onset in mid-life for men.
Answers will vary. One possibility: There is often an increase in anxiety and depression due to ongoing responsibility and an increase in work- and family-related stress at that point in a man’s life.

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