Cognitive analytic therapy and mentalizing function

Abstract

IntroductionCognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) has settled as an integrative approach from Ryle and Kerr's model in the 70's widely accepted in England and Australia, although increasingly European countries have decided to include this model in their public mental health services. Even though its formulation allows the treatment of almost any pathology ensuring good results, it has been traditionally applied to the treatment of personality and eating disorders. Some authors seem to link this efficacy with training in mental states and reciprocal role procedures identification, justifying the improvement through the increase of the reflexive function.Aim and objectivesThe aim of this study is to determine the effect of CAT in mentalizing ability and social functioning in patients attending consultation.MethodsFor this purpose a CAT intervention was performed in 6 adults, administering the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64) and the Mindful Awareness Assessment Scale (MAAS) before and after treatment.ResultsThe results show a statistically significant reduction in interpersonal problems, as well as a non-significant increase in the mentalizing ability.ConclusionsCognitive Analytic Therapy has shown being effective in increasing social functioning, however we have not been able to demonstrate significantly its efficacy in the reflexive function.DiscussionImplications in the clinical setting are discussed.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.