Motivational therapy in young patients with eating disorders: A case study

Abstract

Introduction. Motivational therapy5 (Miller & Rollnick, 1991) focuses on improving disease awareness and motivation to change. These factors require a specific approach mainly in the initial stages of treatment. In an eating disorders unit, it is considered an essential tool3,4 together with the rest of therapeutic approaches. Material and methods. A 16-years-old female diagnosed with purging anorexia through DSM-IV criteria. The treatment consists of cognitive-behavioral, psychopharmacological and nutritional therapies. This treatment has lasted for 6 months, currently being in ambulatory clinical control every two months. The patient has been assessed with psychometric instruments at the beginning and the end of this period. Results. Some improvements have been observed at a nourishing level as well as bodily satisfaction and affective level. There is no significant change in any personality traits. Moreover has been observed greater personal autonomy in eating behavior from a clinical perspective. Conclusions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proved to be effective in the treatment of eating disorders. Motivational therapy is emerging as a first line treatment in eating disorders, therefore these results point out a more systematic research to support their effectiveness.