The Explanation of Eating Disorders: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are one of the most severe and complex mental health problems facing researchers and clinicians today. The effective prevention and treatment of these conditions is therefore of paramount importance. However, at present our treatments fall short: generally demonstrating only poor to moderate efficacy, and often completely ineffective for severe or chronic cases. A possible reason for this is that the current theories underlying these treatments are flawed. In this paper, we review and evaluate several prominent theoretical explanations associated with current frontline and promising treatments for ED. In doing so, we identify fundamental problems within the construction of current ED explanations and their implications for treatment. In response to these findings, we propose several strategies for the construction of future ED explanations which we believe have the power to ameliorate these problems and potentially help to develop more efficacious treatment downstream.

Anorexia nervosa and microbiota: systematic review and critical appraisal

“…First, there is the assumption of a common origin for AN, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder [ 23 ]. This assumption has been strongly challenged [ 75 , 76 ], on the grounds of hindering the integration of biological evidence [ 76 ], and the homogenization of eating disorders [ 75 ] that dilute the importance of fundamental factors for understanding the aetiology of AN, such as malnutrition and its interaction with physical activity [ 77 ]. Thus, there is no consistent evidence supporting Fetissov & Hökfelt’s [ 23 ] assumption as the data was obtained from heterogeneous samples composed of several of these three categories.…”

From competition to co-operation: Shifting the “one best model” perspective

“…However, this open-mindedness should be accompanied by critical evaluation and sound clinical judgement, such that therapeutic models and interventions are objectively appraised and appropriate decisions are made about their use. At present, this critical appraisal is somewhat lacking: there is a general lack of theoretical literacy within the field of psychotherapy (e.g., Ward, 2019), seen in the widespread persistence of some therapeutic models or intervention strategies that are unsupported or theoretically flawed (e.g., see Hawkins-Elder & Ward, 2020). The development of sound theoretical understanding and reasoning (e.g., "conceptual competence"; Aftab & Waterman, 2021) surrounding psychopathology is something that is greatly undervalued in many higher education programmes related to psychopathology professions (e.g., clinical psychology training, counselling certificates), despite it being essential to multiple clinical tasks (e.g., formulating clients, evaluating emerging research and interventions, developing coherent treatment plans; Lilienfeld et al, 2013).…”

Psychopathological Risk Factors Associated with Body Image, Body Dissatisfaction and Weight-Loss Dieting in School-Age Adolescents

“…Eating disorders are amongst the most complex health problems currently being identified by healthcare professionals. This is the reason why the prevention and treatment of these pathologies at their initial stages is very important [36]. There is an association between the various ways in which eating disorders reveal themselves and certain psychological traits of the personality.…”