Brief Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)-Informed Reformulation for Young People With Eating Disorders: A Case Series.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Eating disorders (EDs) onset peaks in young individuals, with interpersonal factors influencing their development and maintenance.
• Increased referrals to ED services highlight the need for accessible, brief interventions to support early intervention and improve outcomes.
• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a transdiagnostic, relational approach beneficial for various presenting difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, CAT-informed reformulation intervention for young people experiencing EDs.
• To evaluate the potential of this intervention in reducing psychological distress and ED severity.
• To gather preliminary data for larger-scale investigations.

Main Methods:

• A case series design involving eight young people (aged 15-24) who met inclusion criteria.
• A five-session CAT-informed reformulation intervention delivered within NHS ED services.
• Feasibility and acceptability measured by recruitment, retention, qualitative feedback, and missing data; psychological outcomes assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.

Main Results:

• All eight participants completed the intervention and assessments, indicating high feasibility and acceptability.
• Participants reported positive experiences with the brief CAT-informed reformulation.
• A reduction in psychological distress and ED severity was observed across clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The brief CAT-informed reformulation demonstrated promising feasibility and acceptability for young people with EDs.
• The study's small sample size and lack of a control group necessitate further research.
• Larger-scale studies are warranted to explore the efficacy of this intervention for young people with EDs.