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The spectrum of psychological problems in people with eating disorders, an analysis of 30 eating disordered patients treated with cognitive analytic therapy
Author(s) -
Bell Lorraine
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0879(199902)6:1<29::aid-cpp179>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - intrapersonal communication , psychology , eating disorders , psychotherapist , interpersonal communication , clinical psychology , interpersonal psychotherapy , feeling , depression (economics) , cognition , psychiatry , medicine , social psychology , macroeconomics , randomized controlled trial , surgery , economics
Documented assessments and formulations were analysed on 30 patients with eating disorders treated with Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). The range of problems in addition to the eating disorder, either reported by patients (‘presenting problems’) or identified by the therapist were classified. Fifty‐seven interpersonal problems such as dependent or enmeshed relationships were identified, 50 intrapersonal, in particular negative feelings towards self, and 42 emotional dysregulation, most commonly depression. These results, and an analysis of identified ‘reciprocal role procedures’ are discussed in the light of current evidence and practice in the psychological treatment of people with eating disorders. Results confirm the importance of addressing interpersonal problems for many patients with eating disorders but also other difficulties i.e. intrapersonal problems and emotional dysregulation. CAT may have wider application to some eating disordered patients than therapies with a more limited focus. Further research is needed to assess the relative merits of different models of focal psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.