Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
What is an eating disorder?
A note about psychiatric diagnosis
Eating Disorders in the twenty first century
The relationship between weight and eating disorder
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Binge Eating Disorder
Feeding and Eating disorders not elsewhere classified
Other causes of weight loss or gain or unusual eating behaviours
Causes of the Eating Disorders
Psychobiological mechanisms
Psychosomatic theories
Looking for an explanation in the past
Eating disorder and other psychiatric diagnoses: is there a genetic susceptibility?
Anorexia and bulimia nervosa as sociocultural phenomena
Eating disorder as learned behavior
Eating disorder as a corollary to dieting and food deprivation
Conclusions
Treatment for the Eating Disorders
Psychodynamic therapies
Family therapies
The use of psychotropic medication
Cognitive behaviour therapy
An outline of the characteristics of CBT
How effective is CBT for eating disorders?
Conclusions
A Cognitive Behavioural and Integrative Approach to Eating Disorders
The theoretical basis of a cognitive behaviour therapy approach to the eating disorders
The structure of cognitive therapy for eating disorders
The acceptability of cognitive therapy for eating disorders
A broad interpretation of cognitive therapy for the eating disorders
Conclusions
Beginning the Therapy Process
The initial stages
Some questions to ask when assessing the person with an eating disorder
The use of questionnaires in the assessment of eating disorder
Is this the right time for therapy?
Conclusion
Preparing for change
Presenting the cognitive behavioural view and formulating the problem
Assessment of motivational stage in people with an eating disorder
Self-monitoring by the client
Setting the agenda for therapy
A focus on emotions and coping strategies
Psychoeducation
Nutritional Aspects of Helping the Eating-Disordered Client
Nutritional knowledge of eating-disordered clients
Nutritional counselling
The body′s need for good nutrition
Knowledge about energy balance and weight regulation
Information about the specific effects of bingeing and purging
Information about the effects of food and eating on metabolism
Establishing a normal eating pattern with obese binge eaters: to diet or not?
Establishing weight gain with anorexics
Behavioural Techniques
Self-monitoring
Target setting
Behavioural experiments
Self-reward
Scheduling pleasant events
Behavioural techniques for controlling overeating (self-control)
Taking exercise
Practising ′normal′ eating
Exposure
Assertiveness around food
Relaxation and stress management
Conclusion
Cognitive Techniques
Identifying negative thoughts
Answering negative thoughts
Homework
Identifying and dealing with dysfunctional assumptions and core beliefs
Modifying assumptions and core beliefs
Exploring the meaning of eating disorder symptoms
Getting ′stuck′
Conclusion
Adapting to Different Situations and Dealing with Endings
Working with severe and complex cases
The end of the therapy relationship
Preventing relapse
Involving family members in the therapy process
Working with groups
Working in parallel with other treatments
Conclusion
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Some useful web pages
Appendix 2: Eating Problems: Resources for Clients
Appendix 3: Eating Disorders and their Effects
Appendix 4: Guidelines for Normal Healthy Eating
Appendix 5: The Effects of Strict Dieting and Starvation and of Giving Them Up
Appendix 6: Medical and Physical Problems Caused by the Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Appendix 7: Controlling What You Eat
Appendix 8: Giving Up Vomiting as a Way to Control Your Weight or Deal with Stress
Appendix 9: Learning to be Assertive about What You Eat: A Bill of Rights
References
Index

About the Author

Sara Gilbert is a chartered clinical psychologist who has had a specialist interest in the field of eating disorders for nearly twenty years. She currently works for the Luton and Bedfordshire community NHS trust.

Reviews

`Sensible, thoughtful and full of helpful ′how to′ advice for the therapist′ -
Behaviour Research and Therapy `A particularly suitable book for individuals with a general mental health training who are starting work with this patient group. It deserves to be widely read′ -
European Eating Disorders Review `An invaluable resource for anyone working in, or wishing to know more about, eating disorders′ -
Dietetics Today

Written from a cognitive behavioural perspective, this updated edition provides an excellent overview of the diagnosis, prevalence and causes of Eating Disorders, as well as a handbook to the application of evidence based interventions. An extremely valuable resource for those already working in the field, and  an easy to access introduction for those mental health practitioners new to working with sufferers of Eating Disorders. The appendices provide excellent resources for use in the self help management or as an adjunct to therapy for sufferers and their families. A ‘must buy’ for Eating Disorder Services and individual practitioners!
*Sally Savage*

This newly updated edition is a well-structured, accessible and thoughtful guide to the nature and treatment of eating disorders. This book will undoubtedly be valued by all practitioners working within the field of eating disorders.
*Dr Alex Willner*

Sara Gilbert shares over 20 years experience covering both practical and theoretical techniques in a clear, readable manner. The technical terms used are well explained and the book offers lots of useful strategies for those working within this field. I would highly recommend this book to anyone working in the mental health sector.
*Martine Johnson*

Sara Gilbert′s book is a significant contribution to the literature on eating disorders and their treatment and a useful general reference manual, especially for CBT therapists and other health service providers. This third edition is enriched by the latest research findings in the field, ranging from the DSM-5 classifications to magnetic resonance imaging techniques used to detect structural changes in the brain of people with eating disorders. 
*Flora Todaro Luck, Psychotherapist*