Ernährungsmanagement versus Body-Image-Therapie bei Anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Body image disturbances are highly predictiveof the course of eating disorders, and addressingthese problems effectively, has been an ongoing challengeto clinicians. This study examines whether a specificgroup therapy program geared to body image reducesdifferent components of the body image disturbancemore effectively than an unspecific nutritionalmanagement program. Patients and Methods: All 57carefully diagnosed female inpatients who took part inthe study were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa accordingto DSM-IV criteria. Results: Patients of either group(similar in age, BMI, duration of illness, comorbidity)showed significant and clinically relevant improvementsover time in all scales. After an intervention of 4.5 weeksthe Body Image Group was superior with regard to severaltests assessing body image. However, this effect didnot persist over time. Two body image variables (globalestimation of attractiveness and figure size rating) constitutedthe most important predictors for course of treatment(change in body mass index) in the full sample.Conclusion: Effect sizes in both groups were medium tohigh, a finding that warrants paying more attention tothis rather promising new treatment module for anorexianervosa. The results of body image outcome studies willbe summarized.