Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa, Essay Example

Anorexia Nervosa is a complex disorder that seems to only affect the individuals eating habits, but has far more reaching negative effects. According to Wilson, Grilo and Vitousek, it is a disorder that affects many aspects of a person’s life and impedes their nutritional levels through restrictive dieting and abnormal views of their body (2007). Along with poor nutrition, those suffering from Anorexia Nervosa also commonly suffer from mood disorders such as depression, social withdrawal and medical problems. While there are a number of treatment options for eating disorders, a combination approach seems to be the most successful. Of these combinations includes the involvement of the entire family as well as a cognitive behavioral approach. After all it is the behavior and thought process of the individual that needs to change in order to successfully control the disorder.

The use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy when treating eating disorders has been shown to is effective. Individuals are taught new coping skills and to uncover faulty thinking that is most likely leading them to act upon impulse. Preventing restrictive eating habits and the loss of nutritional value because of faulty beliefs of being fat can be improved by giving the individual tools to cope (Silber, Lyster-Mensh & Duval, 2011).

While changing their beliefs is difficult and not likely, it is possible to assist them in understanding that their thinking is causing behavior that could result in the loss of their life. This type of therapy focuses mainly on body image, eating habits and even their feelings about the disorder, weight and food in general. Assisting the individual in understanding the faults of their thinking and belief helps them to change their behavior and therefore better control their urges to restrict their nutritional value.

References

Silber, T.J., Lyster-Mensh, L., & Duval, J. (2011). Anorexia nervosa: Patient and Family

Centered Care. Pediatric Nursing 37(6), 331-333.

Wilson, G. T., Grilo, C. M., Vitousek, K. M. (2007). Psychological treatment of eating disorders. American Psychologist. 62(3), 199-216. Retrieved from http://coping.us/images/Wilson_et_al-psych_Treatment_of_Eating_DIsorders.pdf.