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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:8699 |
| Date | 07 June 2012 |
| Creators | Van Heerden, Hertzog Johannes |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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