Eating behaviours can be significantly impacted by psychological distress; changes in routines and lifestyles have been found to impact people’s relationship with food. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/appetite/special-issue/10PQ7HXZ535).
The session look at the effects distress on eating patterns of the population. It will then outline the features of problematic emotional eating and differentiate it from responding to physical hunger. When clients present with problematic eating behaviours, it can be important to identify whether their presentation fits within an eating disorder diagnosis. This can be helpful for psycho-education purposes and has implications for treatment.
Chris Fairburn’s CBT-E (Enhanced CBT) strategy on binge analysis will be outlined and suggestions of how to minimize triggers including several behavioural strategies will be given. These strategies form a powerful tool kit for clients to use when they feel the urge to binge or emotionally eat. The DBT strategy of IMPROVE the moment will be outlined to help clients manage their distress. We will also touch on the importance of mindfulness and mindful eating to compliment the strategies above.