Cognitive Behavior Modification In Anorexia
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavior modification (CBM) is at the root of treatment for anorexia nervosa, and other eating disorders. These behavior modification techniques were first developed by psychologist Donald Meichenbaum.

As important as cognitive behavioral therapy is to the treatment of eating disorders, it is still only one piece of the larger puzzle.

Through behavior modification techniques, therapists are able to help change attitudes about ideal body shape and weight, replace unhealthy eating habits with normalized eating patterns, and teach patients how they can resist the urge to binge and purge.

Cognitive behavior modification is a combination of behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. It's also commonly used in the treatment of various anxiety disorders. Because many eating disorder patients experience co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression, treatment by way of these CBT techniques becomes even more powerful.

Definition Of Behavior Modification - What Is Behavior Therapy?

If you're having a difficult time trying to put the definition of behavior modification into words, don't sweat it. It's actually a very easy concept to understand.

It simply involves a learning process where we reinforce good behavior and eliminate unwanted - or negative - behaviors.

If you've ever raised children, or even trained a dog, this method of behavior therapy is used all the time. We probably don't even realize we're doing it.

If an action is associated with some sort of positive reinforcement, we are likely to do it more often.

However, if an action gets no response at all (apathy), or it gets a negative reaction (stern, abrupt, or loud voice), then we probably will engage in in that behavior less and less, until it is eventually eliminated.

How Is Cognitive Therapy Different From Behavior Therapy?

Cognitive therapy is different from behavior therapy in that it focuses mostly on the thoughts and emotions that lead to certain behaviors.

In other words, behavior therapy is more action-based and cognitive therapy is the mental or emotional beginnings that drive us to perform those actions.

Most therapists seem to feel that the best form of psychotherapy is a combination of these two principles. This is what's known as cognitive behavior modification, or cognitive behavioral therapy,

Cognitive Behavior Modification - Treatment Of Anorexia & Bulimia

Cognitive behavior modification (CBM), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have proven to be highly successful in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia. In fact, it typically produces quick results compared to other therapies. This is partly because of the trusting relationship that is built between therapist and patient.

Since one of the causes of eating disorders is negative or distorted thoughts (known as cognitive distortions), the whole process of learning to think and act differently (cognitive restructuring) can often be life-saving.

A study by researchers at the University of Western Sydney in Australia found that as many as 37 percent of eating disorder patients were able to stop their binge-purge cycles with the help of CBM. This is compared to just 3 per cent who were able to stop without any therapy at all.

By developing a strong client-therapist relationship, the therapist assists the patient in setting and reaching goals. He/she also takes on role of teacher when educating the patient with more positive ways to interpret situations in order to get the most out of life.

See an example of how cognitive therapy works with the process of 'thought stopping' and positive self talk.

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