Evidence-Based and Novel Psychological Therapies for People with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and often highly persistent psychiatric disorder, whereby sufferers struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Its complexity creates challenges regarding treatment, however psychological therapy is recommended by the National Institute for Heath and Care Excellence (NICE). There are four major evidence-based psychotherapies recommended for treating adults-enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E), the Maudsley model of anorexia nervosa treatment for adults (MANTRA), specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM) and focal psychodynamic therapy (FPT)-and three main psychotherapies recommended for treating adolescents with anorexia-family therapy for anorexia nervosa (FT-AN), enhanced cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-E) and adolescent focused therapy for anorexia nervosa (AFP-AN). Additionally, several novel adjunct treatments are under examination, two of which-cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) and cognitive remediation and emotion skills training (CREST)-are also discussed in this chapter. Other relevant areas regarding psychological treatment include: combinations of medication or occupational therapy and psychotherapy, treating individuals with comorbidities, the challenges of studying psychological treatment for anorexia and future directions of psychotherapies for anorexia, and are also discussed.

Enhancing emotional abilities in anorexia nervosa treatment: A rolling‐group cognitive remediation and emotional skills training protocol

“…Treatments for AN often encounter high dropout rates and patient engagement challenges (Kaye & Bulik, 2021;Solmi et al, 2024;Todisco et al, 2023). The CRT and CREST protocols have consistently demonstrated this positive effect, possibly attributed to their focus on addressing everyday cognitive and emotional difficulties rather than directly confronting the psychopathological core of the disorder (Brockmeyer et al, 2018;Carr et al, 2020). Therefore, the implementation of these protocols may offer potential long-term benefits for treatment, although further studies are needed to confirm this speculation.…”

Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Comorbidity: Common Features and Treatment Possibilities With Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Oxytocin

“…Another reasonable subject to consider is using CRT as an adjunct or pre-treatment option for more extensive psychotherapeutic work in cases of acute AN ( 79 , 80 , 92 ) and as an enhancement of the current therapeutic measures for patients with an enduring eating disorder ( 61 ).…”