An investigation into the possibility of an innovative treatment for weight-related hyperphagia: Towards a more effective combination of physiological and psychological treatment for clinically obese patients who binge-eat, category DSM IV EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified)

Abstract

This paper describes Phase One of a five-phase doctoral research inquiry into hyperphagia (eating beyond requirement) as experienced in Binge Eating Disorder (BED). It is a response to the need for a treatment plan which combines the opportunity to explore psychological reasons for overeating, as well as to understand physiological reasons for uncontrollable cravings. Three participants, recruited through local gyms, received twelve sessions of integrative counselling combining cognitive behavioural therapy and physiological information with a person-centred approach and psychodynamic theory to help participants discover for themselves the emotional causes of their overeating. The results informed Phase Two in which a small group addressed the same issues. The outcome of both phases will be used to design a treatment programme (Phase Three) for a larger group as a pilot study (Phase Four), all phases being part of an action research project which will be evaluated in Phase Five. The study is aimed at promoting a better understanding on the part of health professionals and counsellors of the need for sufferers of BED to address emotional causes of overeating and providing such treatment in primary care. Participants in Phase One self-reported a steady decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI) during an interval of one year and achieved an awareness of the way in which their complex relationship with food was underpinned by emotionally painful and avoidant relationships with others.

Keywords:

• Binge-eating
• body image
• addiction
• therapy
• counselling
• obesity
• female