Background: Since the inclusion of Binge Eating Disorder in the DSM-5, we must ask ourselves, have we adequately adapted our treatment practices to accommodate this population? This workshop will focus on the similarities and differences of BED with the other eating disorders and how effective treatment may challenge the status quo.
Walks like a Duck, Talks like a Duck or….A Bird of a Different Feather? Outline
A. Common misperceptions about Binge Eating Disorder – Lecture 10 min
1. What makes Binge Eating Disorder an eating disorder and not “just overeating?”
2. BED, weight and size
B. Similarities and differences of Binge Eating Disorder to other eating disorders – Lecture 30 min
1. Continuum of eating disorder symptoms and DSM 5 classifications
2. Similarities
a. Internalized Thin Ideal and “restrictive voice”
b. Perfectionism
c. Alexithymia and emotional intolerance
d. Role and function of behavior
3. Differences
a. Neurochemistry (when compare anorexia and obesity)
b. Medical complications
c. Personality features and thought processes
d. Behavioral Manifestation
C. Milieu and environmental considerations – Lecture 20 min
1. Weight stigma, bias and managing shame
a. Creating validating environments
2. Furniture, fixture and activity modifications
3. Challenging traditional treatment culture (language, rules, structure)
a. Autonomous vs controlled environments in a mixed milieu
D. Break out groups – Pros and Cons of treating Binge Eating Disorder separate from other eating disorders 15 minutes
15 minute Break
E. Effective treatment theory and methods- Lecture 30 min
1. Treatment targets for Binge Eating Disorder
2. Why understanding behavior change theory is key to your success
3. What treatment works?
a. Why DBT and other Mindfulness-Based interventions are effective with BED
b. How self-compassion disengages fear and the internal “mean girl”
c. Why homogenous groups are important
F. Lifestyle interventions- Lecture 15 min
1. The problem with weight and other measures
a. Disengaging the thin ideal
2. Changing the paradigm to essential “Self Care”
a. Healing with food and body movement
b. Brain health and stress management
G. Break out groups – cases to formulate – 30 min
1. Treatment planning – goals and objectives
2. Milieu and environmental considerations
3. Staff training and preparations
H. Q and A - 15 min
Since the inclusion of Binge Eating Disorder in the DSM-5 and due to attention from pharmaceutical companies, this eating disorder is gaining the visibility it deserves. Unfortunately, due to the lack of acuity found in other eating disorders and the emphasis on obesity in our health care system, those with BED often find themselves trapped in the middle without adequate treatment options. As an industry, eating disorder treatment has been largely focused on the client with anorexia and bulimia, but does this model adequately serve the BED population? This workshop will focus on the similarities and differences of BED with the other eating disorders and examine the pros and cons of mixed milieu treatment. Adaptations to the treatment environment including ways to create a more validating climate for the BED client is discussed, as well as why certain treatment methods are more effective with this population. Lastly, the issue of weight is evaluated. Suggestions on how to shift the paradigm from an extrinsic to an intrinsic focus will be discussed. This combination lecture and small workgroup workshop will equip the participant with a take home strategy for their practice in treating this population.
Dr. Kari Anderson has been treating eating disorders for 24 years, with particular emphasis on Binge Eating Disorder. She is President and Chief Clinical Director for Green Mountain at Fox Run’s Women's Center for Binge and Emotional Eating in Ludlow, Vermont. She earned her Doctorate of Behavioral Health with her research project, The Mindful Eating Cycle: Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder at Arizona State University in 2012. Kari is the co-author of the acclaimed book, Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat for Binge Eating: A Mindful Eating Program for Healing Your Relationship with Food and Your Body.
