Abbate-Daga G, Marzola E, Amianto F, Fassino S. A comprehensive review of psychodynamic treatments for eating disorders.
Eat Weight Disord 2016;
21:553-580. [PMID:
26980319 DOI:
10.1007/s40519-016-0265-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
To comprehensively review the existing literature on the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapies in eating disorders (EDs) and to stimulate both debate and research on this topic.
METHODS
Online and hand searches were conducted to identify papers published between 1980 and 2015 on psychodynamic treatments delivered to adults with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED).
RESULTS
A total of 47 studies were finally included in this review. Fifteen studies were available for AN, 9 for BN, 12 for BED, and 11 for samples with mixed diagnoses. Several methodological flaws emerged, but overall psychodynamic interventions showed promising results at the end of treatment and follow-up, when available.
CONCLUSIONS
The body of literature on psychodynamic treatments is sparse and sometimes methodologically questionable; nevertheless, current data provide support to the effectiveness of these interventions, particularly for AN. However, both a defined approach (focus, themes, and techniques) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to clarify the effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapies.
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