Empirical comparison of two psychological therapies. Self psychology and cognitive orientation in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia

J Psychother Pract Res. 1999 Spring;8(2):115-28.

Abstract

The authors investigated the applicability of self psychological treatment (SPT) and cognitive orientation treatment (COT) to the treatment of anorexia and bulimia. Thirty-three patients participated in this study. The bulimic patients (n = 25) were randomly assigned either to SPT, COT, or control/nutritional counseling only (C/NC). The anorexic patients (n = 8) were randomly assigned to either SPT or COT. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomatology, attitudes toward food, self structure, and general psychiatric symptoms. After SPT, significant improvement was observed. After COT, slight but nonsignificant improvement was observed. After C/NC, almost no changes could be detected.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology
  • Anorexia Nervosa / therapy*
  • Bulimia / psychology
  • Bulimia / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Counseling
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Self Psychology
  • Treatment Outcome