Dialectical Behavior Therapy Modified for Adolescent Binge Eating Disorder: A Case Report

Given the lack of empirically supported treatments available for adolescents with eating disorders, it is important to investigate the clinical utility of extending treatments for adults with eating disorders to younger populations. Dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder, based on the affect-regulation model, conceptualizes binge eating as a behavioral attempt to influence, change, or control painful emotional states. With promising research findings in adult women, it is of clinical interest whether the dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder treatment manual could be usefully adapted for an adolescent population. This report describes adolescent-specific modifications (including the use of family sessions) to standard dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder, with an illustrative case study. While more rigorous case studies are needed prior to establishing justification for a randomized trial, this pilot case provides preliminary support for a modified version of dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder as a therapeutic option for adolescents with binge eating disorder.