Introduction: Novel perspectives on the psychology and psychotherapy of eating disorders

Abstract

The aim of this introduction to this issue is to review and summarize significant new psychological perspectives and psychotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of eating disorder (EDs). In this issue, five novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of EDs are presented. These include a combination of psychodynamic psychotherapy and neuropsychology, two recent modifications of cognitive behavioral therapy (the MANTRA, and the conceptualization of change in patients with ED in terms of sense of agency), a specific group movement therapy, and an innovative rehabilitation treatment. In addition, one article offers an historic review of the development of psychotherapy of EDs, and two articles highlight specific considerations related to the treatment of EDs: compulsory treatment, and culturally sensitive treatment.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; binge eating disorders; bulimia nervosa; eating disorders; psychotherapy of eating disorders.