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Interpersonal psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa
Author(s) -
McIntosh Virginia V.,
Bulik Cynthia M.,
McKenzie Janice M.,
Luty Suzanne E.,
Jordan Jennifer
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(200003)27:2<125::aid-eat1>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , psychology , psychotherapist , interpersonal psychotherapy , interpersonal communication , dysfunctional family , interpersonal relationship , psychodynamic psychotherapy , clinical psychology , eating disorders , medicine , social psychology , surgery , randomized controlled trial
Objective This paper outlines the rationale for treating individuals with anorexia nervosa using interpersonal psychotherapy. Method We review theoretical, empirical, and psychotherapy literature relating to interpersonal functioning in anorexia nervosa. Results Etiological theories emphasize interpersonal and family dysfunction in the development of anorexia nervosa. Research supports the notion that families of individuals with anorexia nervosa have dysfunctional patterns of communication. The history of treatment for anorexia nervosa emphasizes the need for resolution of interpersonal dysfunction, within the traditions of psychodynamic, family therapy, and multidimensional therapies. Discussion Interpersonal psychotherapy is a time‐limited psychotherapy based on the notion that regardless of etiology, interpersonal relationships are intertwined with symptomatology. The goals of the therapy are to improve interpersonal functioning and thereby decrease symptomatology. Factors identified as important in the development of anorexia nervosa are readily conceptualized within the interpersonal psychotherapy problem areas of grief, interpersonal disputes, interpersonal deficits, and role transitions. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 27: 125–139, 2000.