Psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa: a review of published studies and promising new directions

Abstract

Objective: To review the existing literature on the psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN), especially randomized clinical trials that have been published. In addition, new psychological approaches will be described.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted to identify the psychological treatment trials on AN that have been published over the past 3 decades.

Results: Fewer than 20 controlled clinical trials were identified, evaluating the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy in AN treatment. Evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions, with the exception of family therapy for younger patients with shorter duration of illness, remains questionable. Promising new approaches include motivational enhancement therapy and psychotherapies aimed at relapse prevention.

Conclusion: Currently, there is little empirical evidence on which to base treatment decisions regarding the psychological treatments for AN. There is a desperate need for further research in this area, especially examining relapse prevention and motivational enhancement strategies for AN.