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Outpatient group therapy for anorexia nervosa: a preliminary study
F Fernández-Aranda1, M Bel, S Jiménez
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge, c/Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 Barcelona, Spain.
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) effectively treats anorexia nervosa in outpatients, showing sustained improvements in eating attitudes and psychopathology one year after treatment. This psychotherapy approach offers a promising avenue for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- Group therapy is a recognized psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa, yet controlled studies on its efficacy are limited.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach for various mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for treating anorexia nervosa in an outpatient setting.
- To assess treatment outcomes at the end of therapy and at a one-year follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 26 outpatients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
- Assessment of depression (Beck Depression Inventory - BDI), eating psychopathology (Eating Disorders Inventory - EDI), eating attitudes (Eating Attitudes Test - EAT), and weight.
- Data collection occurred at baseline, post-treatment, and at one-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) demonstrated effectiveness in treating anorexia nervosa, with results sustained at one-year follow-up.
- Seventy percent of patients achieved good Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) scores post-treatment.
- Sixty percent maintained good EAT scores at the one-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for outpatients with anorexia nervosa.
- The positive effects of CBT on eating attitudes and psychopathology are maintained at one-year follow-up.
- Further research into the intensive effectiveness and economic advantages of therapeutic groups is warranted.
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