| This project highlights the need for an integrative treatment program for binge eating disorder (BED). A comprehensive literature review discussed the theories and etiology of BED, the efficacy of current treatments, the utility of mindfulness-based interventions, and the benefits of implementing an integrative treatment to better meet the needs and complexity of BED. Research consistently revealed that less than half of patients treated for BED successfully complete treatment and remit from binge eating, across all treatment modalities (i.e., CBT, IPT, DBT, ACT). To further inform the need for a new program, the researcher conducted a needs analysis with public online support group forums and conducted interviews with licensed, doctoral level clinicians who treat binge eating disorder. The needs analysis revealed that the online forum users felt strong uncontrollable emotions, often did not know how to seek help and described more negative experiences with treatment providers than positive. In addition to providing unique findings, the information gathered from the clinicians supported the use of integrative treatment and reflected findings from the research literature and online posts to inform the development of an integrative treatment program for BED combining approaches from psychodynamic interpersonal theories, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy and some principles of cognitive behavioral therapy. The multiple domains of functioning affected by BED warrants the need for an integrative treatment program equipped to target and treat each domain with the most effective methods irrespective of theory. |
