There has long since been a bias in terms of eating disorder resources available to anorexia sufferers, making Bulimia, Binge-Eating and Their Treatment by Professor J.H. Lacey et al. a much needed guide for those suffering from these increasingly common health conditions. This book is essential reading for bulimics and binge eaters seeking up-to-date advice and valuable recovery tools.
Bulimia, Binge-Eating and Their Treatment – Professor Lacey, Eating Disorder Expert
Authors of Bulimia, Binge-Eating and Their Treatment includeeating disorder expert Professor Lacey, specialist clinical psychologist Dr. Bamford and Amy Brown, who is doing a doctorate in clinical psychology. Professor Lacey is highly respected within the field and is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the University of London, chairman of the European Council on Eating Disorder and patron of Beat, the UK Eating Disorders Association. He is also Clinical Director of the Capio Nightingale Hospital Eating Disorder Unit, Medical Director of Newbridge Hospital and developed the St. George's Eating Disorders service in London.
Understanding Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder
The book is divided into two sections, with part one focusing on helping sufferers to understand both bulimia and binge eating disorder. Included in the first section are definitions, information on what happens during a binge and the diagnosis of other eating disorders, such as anorexia and EDNOS. Further key areas covered in part one are as follows:
- Physical consequences of binge eating and vomiting
- Causes of binge eating and who develops the eating disorder
- Risk and maintaining factors
- Psychological aspects – weight/shape concerns, emotions, common thinking errors, low self-esteem
- Behavioural aspects – dieting consequences (psychological/physiological), vomiting, laxative abuse, compulsive exercise
- Social aspects – environment, relationships, media, work, interests
- Medical aspects – heart problems, electrolyte disturbances, kidney problems and many other ways in which bulimia damages health
- Self assessment – map history of disorder, vulnerability areas, increase awareness
Bulimia and Binge Eating CBT Treatment
Part two of this extremely practical resource looks at how to treat bulimia and binge eating disorder with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). At the heart of CBT is the belief that the thoughts we have about ourselves and those around us have an effect upon both feelings and subsequent behaviours. Breaking the cycle requires changing behaviours and thinking patterns. Further areas explored in this section, include the following:
- Pros and cons of the eating disorder
- Impact of change and barriers to change
- Goal setting
- Recording bingeing behaviours
- Meal plan for recovery
- Key techniques to stop binge eating
- Challenging your thought patterns
- Problem solving tips
- Understanding/improving body image
- Relapse prevention
- Further help – outpatient, daypatient, inpatient treatment
- Therapy information – CBT, interpersonal therapy (IPT), family therapy, cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT)
As highlighted above, written by a leading expert on eating disorders, Bulimia, Binge-Eating and Their Treatment is essential reading for anyone suffering from bulimia or binge eating disorder. Packed full of helpful tips, techniques and CBT skills, this practical resource will help many sufferers learn vital approaches to recovery.
Book Reviewed:
Lacey, J.H. et al. Bulimia, Binge-Eating and their Treatment London: Sheldon Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-84709-035-5.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
Join the Conversation