At Westwind, we have a distinct bias toward a
predominantly psychosocial
model of treating
eating disorders, rather than a medical model. The
psychosocial model takes the view that eating disorders are
as much a lifestyle choice as they are a disorder. While
both thinking (about food, body image and self worth) and
behaviour (eating) are disordered, this is not seen as an
illness, and terms such as "disease" and "sick" do not
apply. The behaviour is voluntary and can be altered using
measures completely under the individual's control. There
is no illness to be "cured", but rather a persistent
dysfunctional pattern of cognitive and instrumental
behaviour to be altered.
Biological aspects may predispose one toward the
development of a psychological disorder, but are not seen
as the "cause". Biological interventions such as
medication, have so far proven to be fairly ineffectual in
treatment, and at this point, psychological interventions,
such as various forms of psychotherapy and skills training,
seem far more effective.
References
Agras, W. S. & Apple, R.F. (1997). Overcoming Eating
Disorders. A Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment for Bulimia
Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. USA, Graywind
Publications Inc.
Anderson, A.E, MD. (1999). Eating Disorders: A Guide to
Medical Care and Complications. Baltimore, MA, The John
Hopkins University Press.
Bratman, S. (2000). Health Food Junkies: Overcoming the
Obsession With Healthful Eating. Broadway Books, New York,
NY
Brownell, K.D. & Foreyt, J.P. (1986). Handbook of
Eating Disorders: Physiology, Psychology and Treatment of
Obesity, Anorexia and Bulimia. USA, Basic Books Inc.
Cooper, P.J. (1998). Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating. A
self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques.
London, UK, Robinson Publishing Ltd.
Fairburn, C. (1995). Overcoming Binge Eating. New York, NY,
The Gulliford Press.
Fairburn, C.G. & Wilson, G.T. (1993). Binge Eating.
Nature, Assessment, and Treatment. New York, NY, The
Gulliford Press.
Schmidt, U. & Treasure, J. (1998). Getting Better
Bit(e) by Bit(e). A survival kit for Sufferers of Bulimia
Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders. East Sussex, UK,
Psychological Press Ltd.
Kirkpatrick, J & Caldwell, P (2001). Eating Disorders.
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, Binge Eating and others.
Toronto, ON, Key Porter Books, Ltd.
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