Research Exercises: Models of Abnormality

The main paradigms of abnormal behavior—behavioral, biological, cognitive, psychodynamic, and sociocultural—vary widely. They look at behavior differently, begin with different assumptions, arrive at different conclusions, and utilize different treatment methods. While it is best to try to understand abnormal behavior from several perspectives, some treatments may be more appropriate than others during the treatment process.

Eating disorders are a case in point. While 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 upon existing knowledge but also to utilize strengths from an already widely accepted perspective. Researchers in the United Kingdom have developed a new form of psychotherapy that has the potential to treat more than eight out of ten 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. As a newly identified disorder, there is limited research on afflicted populations, and theories and 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 Associations (NEDA) article, “Binge Eating Disorder,” consider the question(s) below. Then “submit” your response.

Question 3.1

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According to the article, Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders, diagnoses of anorexia and bulimia are common in woman between what ages?

Question 3.2

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Question 3.3

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Question 3.4

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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 current eating disorders?
One possible answer might be that cognitive-behavioral therapy targets both cognitive distortions related to body image and self-esteem, as well as behaviors that are maintaining the disordered eating pathology.

Question 3.5

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According to the NEDA article, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is one of the most common eating disorders. In men, approximately 2% are diagnosed with BED, with the diagnosis made most commonly during mid-life. What would be a possible reason for its onset in mid-life for men?
One possible answer might be that there is an increase in anxiety and depression due to ongoing responsibility and to stress related to work and family.