by Tara Deliberto
Purging disorder is characterized by the presence of purging behaviors (e.g. vomiting, laxative use, etc.) aimed at influencing body size/shape/weight in the absence of binge eating and purging cycles. In other words, the purging exists separate from binge eating. Technically, purging disorder falls under the "Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder” - or OSFED - category in the DSM-5.
Relatedly, no treatments currently exist specifically for the treatment of purging disorder in adolescents, to our knowledge. After we received inquiries about whether or not Integrative Modalities Therapy (IMT) can specifically address this disorder, we were inspired to write about it!
Yes, IMT can absolutely be used to treat purging disorder. In fact, IMT was designed to treat all eating disorders. Further, it is intended to be used flexibly. As such, not every handout is going to be useful to administer to every patient. Patients with purging disorder are no exception!
Although every IMT handout may not be useful in treating purging disorder, many will be. This is up to the therapist to determine. That said, the IMT handouts listed below would be particularly helpful in treating the majority of those with purging disorder.
If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us directly or join one of the online IMT communities such as our private Learning IMT Facebook Group!
IMT Handouts for Use with People who have Purging Disorder
Individual Therapy
Regular and Appetitive Eating (RAE) Handouts 1, 3, 4, 8, 14
Body Acceptance and Exposure (BAE) Handouts 6, 7, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21
Group Therapy
Mindfulness and Acceptance (MAC) Group Handouts 1, 2, 3, 6, 19 (the NO PURGE Skills)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT Group Handout 12
Family Therapy
Stage 1 Family Handouts 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 1.12, 1.15, 1.17, 1.18, 1.29
Stage 2 Family Handouts 2.2, 2.6