Uniting couples (in the treatment of) anorexia nervosa (UCAN)

Abstract

Objective-To describe the development of a novel couple-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for adult anorexia nervosa (AN) called Uniting Couples (in the treatment of) Anorexia Nervosa (UCAN).Method-We review the state of the science for the treatment of adult AN, the nature of relationships in AN, our model of couple functioning in AN, and the development of the UCAN intervention. Results-We present the UCAN treatment for patients with AN and their partners and discuss important considerations in the delivery of the intervention.Discussion-With further evaluation, we expect that UCAN will emerge to be an effective, acceptable, disseminable, and developmentally tailored intervention that will serve to improve both core AN pathology as well as couple functioning.

Feminist-Informed Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy as Treatment for Eating Disorders

“…With some notable exceptions (Bulik, 2011;Van Buren & Williamson, 1988), few studies have examined how couple therapy can be a useful treatment of eating disorders and virtually no empirical studies have tested the validity of applying a feminist-lens to specific therapeutic approaches while working with this population. There is a larger need to understand eating disorders from a feminist lens in the context of couple therapy due to the fact that eating disorders disproportionately affect women (DSM-IV) and the existing relationships between eating disorders and intimate relationships (Bullik, 2011). Individuals with eating disorders enter relationships at similar rates to individuals without eating disorders and a substantial proportion of those seeking treatment for EDs report that their partners are an essential part of the recovery process (Bullik).…”

Incorporating Social Support in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Special Considerations for Older Adolescents and Young Adults

“…Additionally, being in a relationship with a supportive partner is commonly cited as contributing to recovery (Tozzi, Sullivan, Fear, McKenzie, & Bulik, 2003). However, although a supportive relationship may help support recovery, some individuals with AN may experience their relationship as a stressor that exacerbates eating disorder symptoms rather than a support (Bulik, Baucom, Kirby, & Pisetsky, 2011; Woodside, Shekter-Wolfson, Brandes, & Lackstrom, 1993). Specifically, studies indicate that adults with AN experience increased relationship distress, problems with communication, and sexual concerns (Hartmann, Zeeck, & Barrett, 2010; Pinheiro et al, 2009; Van den Broucke, Vandereycken, & Vertommen, 1995a, 1995b).…”

“…Uniting Couples (in the treatment of) Anorexia Nervosa (UCAN) was developed to fill this gap in the treatment literature and include the partner in an appropriate way in the treatment of adult AN (Bulik, Baucom, & Kirby, 2012; Bulik, et al, 2011). UCAN was drawn from cognitive-behavioral couples therapy, the couples intervention with the strongest research base (Epstein & Baucom, 2002).…”

“…UCAN was drawn from cognitive-behavioral couples therapy, the couples intervention with the strongest research base (Epstein & Baucom, 2002). The overarching framework for UCAN is that, although one member of the couple has AN, the AN exists in both an interpersonal and a social context (Bulik, et al, 2011). The social environment in which a couple lives can contribute to the improvement, maintenance, or worsening of the individual’s AN (Bulik, et al, 2011).…”

Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Couples: An Insight into the Treatment of Couple Hardships and Struggles

“…This therapy aims at enhancing positive interactions between partners and diminishing negative interactions as well as improving communication and problem-solving abilities [71]. Couple-based interventions have also shown encouraging results for the co-occurring treatment of couple distress and bipolar disorder [72], emotion dysregulation [73], post-traumatic stress disorder [74,75], obsessive-compulsive disorder [76], anxiety disorders [77] as well as anorexia nervosa [78].…”