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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

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Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has consistently been considered the gold standard for the treatment of some eating disorders and for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The majority of the literature has focused on the separate treatment of these two frequently co-occurring disorders. In light of this, CBT has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of bulimia nervosa, the newly recognized binge eating disorder, and for NSSI; however, strong evidence is lacking for anorexia nervosa. Also lacking is a well-integrated research body examining the efficacy of CBT in treating eating disorders and NSSI concurrently. The basic structure of CBT for each of the eating disorders and for NSSI is outlined in the current chapter. The general approach focuses on identifying and modifying negative, automatic thoughts in an effort to influence behavior change and the development of healthier, more adaptive coping strategies. More specific suggestions are provided with regard to the concurrent treatment of eating disorders and NSSI using a CBT approach. Future directions for both research and practice are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Christine M. Peat

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  1. Christine M. Peat
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Correspondence to Christine M. Peat .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Laurence Claes

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA

    Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp

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Peat, C.M. (2014). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. In: Claes, L., Muehlenkamp, J. (eds) Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40107-7_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40107-7_7

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