Problematic levels of eating disorder (ED) spectrum problems are becoming increasingly pervasive on college campuses, especially among female college students. Research suggests that ED cognitions and a lack of body image acceptance are linked to diminished psychological flexibility (PF), which is linked to ED and other negative health symptoms. Two hundred thirty-six undergraduates completed an online survey, and mediation analyses were conducted. PF fully mediated the relation between ED cognitions and non-specific psychiatric symptoms and partially mediated the link between ED cognitions and ED symptoms. PF also partially mediated the link between body image acceptance and non-specific psychiatric symptoms, but not the relation between body image acceptance and ED symptoms. Findings suggest that clinical symptoms and one’s coping style are both important factors to take into consideration in case conceptualization and treatment, and suggest that therapies such as ACT that target PF may be beneficial in treating ED spectrum problems.

The background of the study consists of the fact that knowledge about how eating disorders are developed and maintained is extensive. Socio-cultural factors and media influence when developing an eating disorder is of significance. When reviewing literature and previous research, knowledge about practical attainments when treating eating disorders are insufficient. The aim of the study was therefore to examine how staff who treats eating disordered patients think about body ideals, strive for success and media influence in treatment and rehabilitation. The theory consists of Foucault’s theory of power, how beauty ideals are dependent of the cultural context in which we live and what qualities are associated with beauty and body ideals. Also why young people are more vulnerable to ideals and Giddens theory of how our identities are formed and the meaning of the body and effects of lack of tradition. The theory is rounded off by how we manipulate our bodies, how the consumer society affects how we express our identities and shortly about treatment of eating disorders. I found that the majority of staff interviewed was aware of the influence of high demands, pressure and strive for perfection. It corresponds with that the cultural message include the body as a project that the individual has the responsibility of changing and improving. An eating disorder can also be a way of controlling physical change during puberty. The majority were also aware of the influence of dieting, socio-cultural effects, ideals and fixation with one’s own body. In combination with self-criticism and increased responsibility of forming one’s identity during adolescence, the individual is increasingly vulnerable to media influences. The individuals’ body image is affected by her own and others image of her body, and how well she matches the society’s ideals and norms. The response to media effects differ between the ones interviewed. The individual compare her self with images shown in the media, which shows a direct connection between slimness and success, status and happiness. Treatment shows an evident connection to normalisation process as a result of psychiatric exercise of power towards the patient.

Abstract: Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, affecting approximately 2% of men and 3.5% of women. BED has a complex etiology that includes both physical and psychological co-morbidities. Up to 50% of overweight and obese people seeking weight loss treatment have BED. Treatment includes pharmacological therapy and psychotherapy with the main goals of reducing binge frequency and weight reduction. Three categories of medications have been identified for the pharmacological treatment of BED: antidepressants, centrally acting appetite suppressants, and anticonvulsants Behavioral weight loss (BWL) includes modest weight reduction typically by reducing fat intake, eating regular meals and snacks and increasing weekly exercise. Interpersonal psychotherapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are the most successful forms for psychotherapy used to treat BED. In conclusion, BED etiology is multifaceted and successful treatment must address the complexities of the disorder. / text

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorder behaviours (EDB) may share a similar emotion dysregulation mechanism. This study examined the relations between repeated rumination episodes and emotions in NSSI and EDB within the context of the Emotional Cascades Model (Selby, Anestis, & Joiner, 2008), which suggests that ruminating on negative events increases the intensity of negative emotion; negative emotion prompts continued rumination, which further increases the intensity of the negative emotion. Individuals with a history of NSSI and/or EDB reported higher levels of negative emotions and lower levels of positive emotions, relative to individuals without a history of these behaviours. Similarly, a history of NSSI was associated with greater initial increases in negative emotions, and a history of EDB was associated with greater initial decreases in positive emotions, following rumination. While these results support the presence of emotion dysregulation in NSSI and EDBs, it only partially supports the emotional cascades model. / CIHR graduate award helped to fund this research.

The current dissertation is comprised of two studies that examined the relationship between group dynamics, attachment anxiety, and post-treatment outcomes in a sample of women (N = 102) with binge eating disorder (BED) who received Group Psychodynamic Interpersonal Psychotherapy. The first study explored the relationship between the development of group cohesion, the individuals’ level of attachment anxiety, and frequency of binge eating, symptoms of depression, and self-esteem at post-treatment. The second study explored the relationship between the interpersonal learning, individuals’ level of attachment anxiety, and outcomes. Interpersonal learning was conceptualized as the convergence between multiple perspectives of group cohesion: one’s own and the group’s perception of one’s cohesion to the group. Parallel measures of individual self-rated cohesion (CQ-I) and mean group-rated cohesion (CQ-G) were developed based on the original Cohesion Questionnaire (CQ; Piper et al., 1983) for this study. Participants were assigned to homogeneous groups composed of either high or low attachment anxiety to assess the impact of pre-treatment attachment anxiety. Findings indicated significant growth in cohesion over time, and a significant convergence in multiple ratings of cohesion. These processes did not differ significantly based on level of attachment anxiety. Growth in cohesion was related to greater reductions in binge eating for those high in attachment anxiety, while the convergence in ratings of cohesion (i.e., interpersonal learning) was related to improvements in self-esteem for individuals in both attachment anxiety conditions. The findings support the importance of group interventions for BED that are sensitive to individuals’ attachment anxiety, and that emphasize cohesiveness, and interpersonal learning to improve outcomes.

A plethora of research has linked negative affect with binge eating in people with binge eating disorder (BED). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) have not traditionally addressed emotional regulation deficits. Failure to address emotional aspects of binge eating may explain why some individuals do not respond to CBT or IPT, and why many of those who do respond relapse shortly after finishing treatment. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) specifically targets the inability to accurately recognise and regulate affect. Preliminary investigations have shown that DBT may be efficacious in treating BED. However, it can take up to 10 months, and a shorter intervention targeting affect regulation and recognition may produce similar effects. Four studies evaluating a ten session emotion-focussed group psychoeducational intervention for BED were conducted. In the first, 25 women diagnosed with subthreshold or full syndrome BED (using DSM-IV-TR criteria) were treated. The second study tested whether the specific components of the intervention, or the treatment as a whole, was required to produce positive outcomes in women. Study three, examined the efficacy of the treatment programme with three men diagnosed with subthreshold or full syndrome BED (also using DSM-IV-TR criteria). The fourth study compared the women's and men's response to treatment. Following the intervention with women, binge abstinence rates, comparable to those of CBT and IPT, and various other positive changes to eating and general pathology, were observed. These effects were well-maintained up to one-year later. Overall, it was concluded that the whole treatment programme was necessary to produce the optimum outcome for BED in women. A positive outcome was measured in the men, although the effects were not as dramatic as those found in the women. Suggestions for improvements, and suggestions for further research, are discussed. The results provide support for the Affect Regulation Model of BED in women and men.

<p>The background of the study consists of the fact that knowledge about how eating disorders are developed and maintained is extensive. Socio-cultural factors and media influence when developing an eating disorder is of significance. When reviewing literature and previous research, knowledge about practical attainments when treating eating disorders are insufficient. The aim of the study was therefore to examine how staff who treats eating disordered patients think about body ideals, strive for success and media influence in treatment and rehabilitation. The theory consists of Foucault’s theory of power, how beauty ideals are dependent of the cultural context in which we live and what qualities are associated with beauty and body ideals. Also why young people are more vulnerable to ideals and Giddens theory of how our identities are formed and the meaning of the body and effects of lack of tradition. The theory is rounded off by how we manipulate our bodies, how the consumer society affects how we express our identities and shortly about treatment of eating disorders. I found that the majority of staff interviewed was aware of the influence of high demands, pressure and strive for perfection. It corresponds with that the cultural message include the body as a project that the individual has the responsibility of changing and improving. An eating disorder can also be a way of controlling physical change during puberty. The majority were also aware of the influence of dieting, socio-cultural effects, ideals and fixation with one’s own body. In combination with self-criticism and increased responsibility of forming one’s identity during adolescence, the individual is increasingly vulnerable to media influences. The individuals’ body image is affected by her own and others image of her body, and how well she matches the society’s ideals and norms. The response to media effects differ between the ones interviewed. The individual compare her self with images shown in the media, which shows a direct connection between slimness and success, status and happiness. Treatment shows an evident connection to normalisation process as a result of psychiatric exercise of power towards the patient.</p>

Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by compulsive consumption of food within a short time period accompanied by loss of control over eating. Recent literature provides the basis for consideration of BED as an addiction-like disorder. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonism on maladaptive forms of feeding behaviors. TAAR1 is an intracellular receptor preferentially expressed in monoaminergic cells, and involved in reward and motivation. For this purpose, we trained male rats to self-administer either a sugary, highly palatable diet (Palatable rats) or a chow diet (Chow rats) for 1 hour/day under a Fixed Ratio 1 (FR1) schedule of reinforcement. Following escalation and stabilization of binge-like eating of palatable food, we tested the effects of the TAAR1 agonist RO5256390 on i) binge-like eating and eating rate in the FR1 schedule, ii) compulsive eating in a light/dark conflict test, iii) food reward using a conditioned place preference test, and lastly iv) food seeking behavior using a second-order schedule of reinforcement. Results showed that RO5256390 blocked binge-like eating, compulsive eating, food reward, and food seeking behavior selectively in Palatable rats without affecting Chow controls’ performance. Results provide evidence that TAAR1 may be a potential pharmacological target for Binge Eating Disorder. / 2018-06-16T00:00:00Z

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / A sÃndrome alimentar noturna (SAN) à um distÃrbio alimentar caracterizada por um atraso no ritmo circadiano de apetite-saciedade, com ingestÃo calÃrica &#8805; 25% do total diÃrio apÃs a refeiÃÃo da noite e / ou pelo menos trÃs despertares noturnos acompanhados de alimentaÃÃo por semana. O Night Eating à um instrumento, que contÃm 14 itens com cinco pontos, usado como triagem para o diagnÃstico da SAN. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir para o portuguÃs a versÃo em inglÃs, atualizada, do Night Eating Questionnaire e adaptÃ-la culturalmente para uso em pacientes brasileiros. Na primeira etapa do estudo, foi realizada traduÃÃo; retrotraduÃÃo para o InglÃs; revisÃo das traduÃÃes e avaliaÃÃo da equivalÃncia semÃntica. Em seguida, avaliou-se a reprodutibilidade intra e interobservador num grupo de 37 indivÃduos. A confiabilidade do questionÃrio foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de Cronbach em 90 indivÃduos. A escala brasileira apresentou excelente consistÃncia interna, com coeficiente alfa ligeiramente inferior a 0,9. A escala traduzida e adaptada apresentou ainda adequada reprodutibilidade intra-observador com coeficientes entre 0,95 e 1,0 e interobservador com coeficientes entre 0,92 e 1,0. Estes resultados mostram que o instrumento traduzido tem clareza e que conduz a respostas consistentes, que nÃo se confundem com o passar do tempo. Desse modo, ficam estabelecidas a equivalÃncia conceitual dos itens e a equivalÃncia operacional das versÃes em portuguÃs e inglÃs. Novos estudos da aplicabilidade da versÃo brasileira utilizando amostras estratificadas por escolaridade, faixa de renda e classe social deverÃo ser realizados para avaliar este instrumento de forma mais precisa. / Night eating syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterized by a delay in the circadian time of food intake, with more than 25% of daily caloric intake after the evening meal or at least 3 nocturnal awakenings with ingestion per week. The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) has 14 items with a 5 point scale and has been used as a tool for NES evaluation. The main objective of this study was to translate the current English version of the NEQ into Portuguese and adapting to cultural differences to allow for its use in Brazilian patients. The first part of the study consisted of translation; back-translation to English; review of the translations and evaluation of semantic equivalence. After this initial phase, intra and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed in a group of 37 individuals. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by the Cronbach coefficient in 90 individuals. The translated and adapted version showed excellent internal consistency, with an alfa coefficient slightly below 0.9. This new version also had adequate reproducibility both intra-observer, with coefficients between 0.95 and 1.0, and inter-observer, with coefficients between 0.92 and 1.0. These results show that the translated questionnaire is clear, and the answers elicited are consistent and remain stable over time. Therefore, equivalence of the concepts in each item and operational equivalence of the English and Portuguese versions are established. Future studies evaluating the applicability of the Brazilian version using samples stratified by schooling, income and social status are necessary for a more precise evaluation of this tool.

M. Tech. / Binge eating is defined as eating an inordinate amount of food in a discrete period of time, during which the eater experiences a subjective loss of control (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The event is often followed by emotional distress, including feelings of disgust, shame, fear, guilt or discomfort (Herrin, 2003). Binge eating is found in all eating disturbances, and is especially associated with binge eating disorder, which affects all races and both genders almost equally (Fairburn & Brownell, 2002). Current treatment protocols include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and traditional weight loss programmes (Birmingham & Treasure, 2010; Mitchell & Peterson, 2005; Wadden & Stunkard, 2002). The role of homoeopathy in the treatment of binge eating remains poorly explored. This research study was designed to examine the efficacy of homoeopathic similimum treatment on binge eating in males, following ten case studies. The research was carried out at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Health Centre, from 8 July 2010 to 24 November 2010. Ten male participants, all between the ages of 23 and 42, took part in this research. Each participant was screened telephonically before their first consultation. Inclusion criteria included eating a large volume of food within a short space of time, and feeling a loss of control over eating habits. Exclusion criteria included a prior diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulemia nervosa or any morbidity associated with obesity, including diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Each participant attended a total of four consultations over a 12 week period. Follow-up consultations took place every three weeks. During each interview, the participants' severity and frequency of binge eating was assessed through their history, a self-assessment calender for recording binging incidence between consultations and by completing a psychometric evaluation. On the second and third consultation, each participant was issued with an individuated similimum prescription based on the totality of their case history, to be taken as directed. v. All data was collected and analyzed, with the following results: – All participants reported a variable decrease in their binging frequency and severity. – Most participants experienced a concurrent improvement in other aspects of their health, such as their sleeping habits, libido, blood pressure, level of confidence or an overall sense of well-being. – Statistical analysis of the participants' measured results confirms a significant improvement in both binging frequency and severity after similimum treatment. The researcher concluded that this study shows the possible benefits of homoeopathic similimum treatment in binge eating in males, by decreasing both binging frequency and severity.