Psycho-therapeutic Intervention for Meta-cognitions and Emotional Regulation in Binge Eating Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This article aimed to systematically review the researches that advocate the understanding of neurological basis and psychological trajectory in meta-cognition among patients with Binge eating disorders. The objective was to update the existing literature and help clinicians better understand the efficacy of CBT intervention for binge eating disorders (BEDs) while taking into account their meta cognition and emotional dysregulation.

Methodology: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model was utilized to conduct this systematic review. For this purpose, research article on emotional dysregulation in patients with binge eating disorder in which Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) was utilized as an effective treatment for BED were scrutinized. Different electronic databases such as Research Gate, Google Scholar and Science Direct were employed to gather relevant articles. (N=345) articles were collected and assessed however, only 16 articles were selected for review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Findings: The findings of the systematic review pointed that individuals with BED use maladaptive strategies for emotional regulation and exhibit high negative self-directed behaviors, lack of emotional awareness, and inability to involve in goal directed behaviors. Impaired metacognition and impulsivity were also identified as core elements of BED.

Conclusion: Poor metacognitions, lack of self-control and emotional dysregulation that trigger or initiate binge eating behaviors can be regulated through interventions. CBT was found to be an effective treatment for binge eating disorder as it addresses meta cognitions and attempts to improve emotional regulation strategies.