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Published on: May 8, 2018
Reflective functioning in 70 patients suffering from bulimia nervosa
Signe Holm Pedersen1, Susanne Lunn, Hannah Katznelson
1Department of Psychology, The University Clinic, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. signe.holm@psy.ku.dk
Summary
This study explored reflective functioning (RF) in bulimia nervosa (BN), finding average mentalizing abilities but a polarized distribution of RF scores. This suggests bulimic pathology can persist even with good mentalizing capacity.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is a complex eating disorder with significant public health implications.
- Understanding the cognitive underpinnings of BN is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Reflective functioning (RF), or mentalizing abilities, has been implicated in various psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- This research is the first to investigate the reflective functioning (RF) capabilities of individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (BN).
- To explore the relationship between mentalizing abilities and the presence and maintenance of bulimic pathology.
Main Methods:
- Seventy patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for BN were assessed.
- The Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) was administered and coded for reflective functioning (RF) scores.
Main Results:
- The average RF scores in the BN sample were comparable to those of non-clinical populations.
- However, the distribution of RF scores in BN patients was significantly more polarized than in controls, with a higher prevalence of both very low and very high RF scores.
- This indicates a non-uniform pattern of mentalizing abilities within the BN group.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that the theory of mentalization offers a valuable framework for understanding bulimia nervosa.
- Bulimic pathology may develop and persist irrespective of an individual's level of mentalizing ability.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between RF and BN.
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