“Is CBT effective for anorexia?”
I am a 25 year old female. I want to know if CBT is effective for anorexia?
5 Answers
PsychiatristPsychiatrist
It can be. There is really no one size fits all, when it comes to a specific condition and therapy. Does it intuitively sound like a good idea for the person? Are they open to it? If so, the only way to know if to try it out. Also important to address any underlying trauma / addiction patterns.
Absolutely it helps. Depending on the severity of your illness the treatments are different.
I actually don’t know of any studies on this. I would suspect, however, that it would depend on the cause of the anorexia.
Tony
Tony
CBT was developed in the 1950's and 60's by the renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Beck. Later in the 1970's, three clinicians went further and developed this module for eating disorders, including anorexia. I personally feel that this therapy is very beneficial for a number of mood disorders along with the issue mentioned above. The benefits certainly outweigh the risks.
Mark Roby, ND, PA-C
Mark Roby, ND, PA-C
Overall to date cognitive-behavioral therapy can be helpful; depending on the needs of the patient. CBT can reduce rates of relapse, supporting the healing.
