Which of the following is considered the most effective psychotherapy approach for treating binge eating disorder?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• B. Exposure therapy
• C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• D. Psychoanalysis

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of binge eating disorder (BED), which is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort, accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress.
2. Step 2: Review the common psychotherapy approaches used for treating BED, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and Psychoanalysis.
3. Step 3: Analyze the goals and mechanisms of each therapy: CBT focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors related to eating; Exposure Therapy involves gradual exposure to feared stimuli; ECT is primarily used for severe depression and not typically for BED; Psychoanalysis explores unconscious conflicts but is less structured and evidence-based for BED.
4. Step 4: Evaluate empirical evidence from clinical research that supports the effectiveness of CBT in reducing binge eating episodes and improving psychological outcomes compared to other therapies.
5. Step 5: Conclude that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective psychotherapy approach for treating binge eating disorder based on its targeted techniques and strong research support.