Setbacks and Mindsets Module

Towards the end of Step Two, if the treatment is going well, the patient should experience a progressive reduction in the intensity of their concerns about eating control associated with the remission of binge-eating episodes and dysregulated eating and overeating. This is the point at which the Setbacks and Mindsets module should be introduced. Patients should be informed that setbacks (i.e., an episode of binge eating, dysregulated eating, overeating, body checking, or dysfunctional dieting) are inevitable. However, these setbacks are often preceded by reactivation of the “mindset” typical of the eating disorder, that is, the way of thinking about the eating disorder and, in particular, the overvaluation of shape and weight or the lack of attention to eating behaviour and weight. Patients are also informed that if addressed immediately, relapse will be avoided. Having educated the patients on mindsets, the procedures of this module are designed to help the patient identify stimuli that are likely to reactivate the eating-disorder mindset, spot setbacks early on, and displace the mindset.