Comparing Two Therapies for Binge Eating Disorder (1 CE)

Number of Credits:  1

This course is for: Counselors, Clinical Psychologists, and MFTs

Course By: Joel Austin, PharmD

Content By: Jackson, J. B., Pietrabissa, G., Rossi, A., Manzoni, G. M., & Castelnuovo, G. (2018). Brief strategic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for women with binge eating disorder and comorbid obesity: A randomized clinical trial one-year follow-up. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(8), 688–701. https://doi.apa.org/fulltext/2018-35470-005.html 

Course Description: Binge eating disorder (BED) is frequently associated with obesity and other physical and mental problems. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established treatment for BED, but prior studies show only limited support for its effectiveness. In the present study, the effectiveness of CBT and brief strategic therapy (BST) in treating BED were directly compared. Women in an inpatient weight-loss program who suffered from comorbid BED and obesity received either CBT or BST for 7 months. Binge eating frequency, weight, and global functioning of all participants were recorded over a 1-year period. Women who received CBT improved in weight and global functioning during the year, but not in binge eating frequency. Women who received BST improved in all three variables, and the extent of improvement in weight and global functioning was greater than for the women who received CBT. The results indicate that BST is a promising strategy for treating BED.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the rationale for the study and the methods used to compare the effectiveness of CBT and BST
2. Describe the main findings of the study with respect to the effectiveness of the two therapies
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for treatment of BED

Course Outline:  

• Read and understand Brief strategic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for women with binge eating disorder and comorbid obesity: A randomized clinical trial one-year follow-up
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Analyze the rationale for comparing the effectiveness of CBT and BST in treating BED
• Integrate the study's experimental methods, key findings, strengths, limitations, and clinical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions, and/or to better understand differences in the effectiveness of CBT and BST in the treatment of BED

Approvals: