Cognitive-behavioral approach to the treatment of night eating syndrome

The article presents an analysis of a widespread disorder in recent years — the syndrome of night eating (SLEEP). The trajectory of the behavioral pattern of patients with this disorder is described. The criteria for distinguishing eating disorders in sleep (somnambulistic eating) are shown from the night food syndrome. The biological, psychological and social factors influencing and supporting the night eating syndrome are differentiated. Based on the biobehavioral model of A. Stankard’s night food syndrome, the psychological model of the relationship between the attachment style and night food syndrome L. Wilkinson and the Cognitive Behavioral Model (CBT) of SLEEP K. Allison substantiates the relevance of the use of psychotherapeutic strategies in the framework of complex treatment with the use of psychopharmacotherapy and light therapy. The structural components, effectiveness, and limitations of the protocol of cognitive behavioral therapy for K. Allison’s night eating syndrome are detailed. It is shown that the connection of a psychodynamic or interpersonal psychotherapeutic model to CBT allows us to focus on the role of significant other people for the mental organization of the patient, their lack or loss in the development of psychological inflexibility and linking mental distress with deficiency in the processes of emotional self-regulation.