Behavioral and Process Addictions ARCO 503 Module 35… · eating disorders as addictions. She presents the four types of eating disorders in addition to various treatment methodologies

Behavioral and Process Addictions 1

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Behavioral and Process Addictions

ARCO 503

Module 3



Module Three

Table of Contents

Eating Disorders & Food Addiction Linda Mintle, Ph.D. ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Co-dependency & Relationship Addiction Gregory Jantz, Ph.D. & Tim Clinton, Ed.D. ........................................................................................................ 12

EATING & RELATIONSHIP ADDICTIONS



Description Eating disorders are often discussed within the mental health community regarding the addictive and impulsive nature of its various conditions. Dr. Linda Mintle presents compelling biological and statistical evidence to define eating disorders as addictions. She presents the four types of eating disorders in addition to various treatment methodologies.

Learning Objectives:

1. Be able to explain the biological and statistical research concerning eating disorders.

2. Be able to discuss and differentiate between the four types of eating

disorders.

3. Understand and be able to utilize the various treatment methods in practice for eating disorders.

EATING DISORDERS AND FOOD ADDICTION

VIDEO

Linda Mintle, Ph.D.



I. Overview of Eating Disorders and Food Addiction

A. Addiction or Impulsive Condition?

B. There are many similarities between eating disorders and other addictions. Biological mechanisms that relate the two

Progressive compulsion

Research shows that both have a psychological vulnerability to use food to

medicate a state

Continued exposure to behavior requires more to have same reinforcing effect

Subjective states of craving can persist long after behavior stops

Compulsive behavior continues in the face of severe consequences

Have repetitive and ritualistic behaviors involved

Show resistance to treatment with frequent lapses

Both score high on addictive personality tests

Many drug addicts begin with compulsive eating

Biological similarities

1. Both have excessively low values of specific neurotransmitters

2. Certain hereditary characteristics increase risk of eating disorders and addictions

3. Strenuous exercise and starvation



C. Eating Disorders are NOT classified as addictions in the DSM-IV; they have

their own classifications. II. Statistics

A. 8-10 million people struggle.

B. 58 million Americans are obese and overweight.

C. Obesity and morbid obesity are epidemic in the United States.

D. Approximately 3% of women have eating disorders. III. Characteristics and Overview of Eating Disorders

A. Eating Disorders have the highest rate of mortality among all psychiatric disorders.

B. They can be chronic, and are difficult to treat.

C. They involve obsessions with food and unhealthy thoughts about the body.



D. The main focus is on women.

E. It is on the rise and starting at younger ages.

F. Eating Disorders in Men Enter into eating disorders is typically exercise

Body image is the concern that predicts risk

Passive-Aggressive personality styles

Dependent and avoidant personality styles

Nonconformity to cultural expectations for masculinity

G. Common Characteristics of All Eating Disorders Strong need for control

Fear and anxiety

Anger, usually displaced toward the body

Usually develop in adolescence



Usually comorbid with other disorders

Low self-esteem

Secrecy, Withdrawal from social activities

Anorexics tend to be perfectionist

Bulimics tend to be compulsive

Compulsive exercise

Rigidity/Inflexibility/Resistance to change

Frequent weighing/Food measuring

Dichotomous thinking

Unresolved conflict

Identity/Sexuality issues

H. Overeating and Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition. It is not an eating disorder. However, binge

eaters typically become obese.

Look for the WHY in determining reason for obesity



IV. Four Types of Disorders

A. Anorexia Nervosa Characterized by low weight

Intense fear of weight gain

Inaccurate perception of body weight or shape

Mean onset – age 17

Combination of factors plays into development

Personality factors

History of trauma

Can be biologically rewarding

Get to the disorder early – don’t let it linger

Anti-depressants – conflicting research

B. Bulimia Nervosa Marked by binge eating and compensatory purging behavior, through self-

induced vomiting, laxative or diet pill abuse, compulsive exercise, in an effort to avoid gaining weight



Depressive moments can trigger episodes

Can’t tell difference in body shape

Markers: Burns on hands, swelling cheeks and glands in neck

Tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, SSRIs

C. Binge Eating Compulsive overeating without purging behavior

V. Recovering from Eating Disorders

A. Person must acknowledge the problem and surrender control.

B. Determine appropriate level of care.

C. Assemble a multi-disciplinary team.

D. Set the goals of therapy.

E. Spiritual Interventions



F. Begin Treatments

G. Treat Comorbid Addictions

H. Lifestyle Changes Acceptance of problem

No magic bullets

Find the WHY Must allow the transforming power of Christ into one’s life

Ultimate Recovery: Finding sense of who one is through identity in Christ

Gains in therapy can be preserved when one stays strong in the Lord

Goal: Make eating the enjoyable, pleasurable act God intended for it to be, and

live in freedom.



Study Questions

1. Discuss the similarities between eating disorders and other addictions.

2. Discuss some of the common characteristics of all eating disorders.

3. Discuss males and eating disorders.

4. Compare and contrast the four types of eating disorders mentioned in the lesson.

5. What can counselors do to help people recover from eating disorders?



Description Codependency and relationship addiction create a stronghold that blinds sufferers to their true identity in Christ. Without this understanding, they fail to recognize and trust the unique God-directed purpose and plan for their lives. This presentation will provide the keys to identify healthy relationships, understand God’s design for relationships and discover the joy they were intended to bring.

Learning Objectives: This lesson is intended to provide the student with an informative overview of this material. The material will not be part of the testing for this module, but will be integral in a discussion forum. Notes:

Co-dependency and Relationship Addiction

VIDEO

Gregory Jantz, Ph.D. & Tim Clinton, Ed.D.

Documents

Behavioral and Process Addictions ARCO 503 Module 35… · eating disorders as addictions. She presents the four types of eating disorders in addition to various treatment methodologies