Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Research Articles

Cognitive behaviour therapy for young people

Purpose of review There is now considerable evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy in adults with a range of different disorders. More recently, this form of therapy has been evaluated for use in children and young people, and early results are promising. This article reviews the recent literature noting achievements in this field and the gaps. Ideas for further research in this area are discussed. Recent findings Trials of cognitive behaviour therapy in young people have been performed across a range of different disorders, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Most studies show a beneficial effect of cognitive behaviour therapy, although relatively few studies have included treatment controls. An area that is currently being investigated is the role of families in cognitive behaviour therapy with young people. Results are mixed, with some studies reporting additional benefit with the involvement of families, and other studies reporting no additional benefit. Adaptation of cognitive behaviour therapy to the developmental stage of the young person is a crucial issue that is frequently discussed in the literature. Summary There is encouraging evidence that cognitive behaviour therapy is a useful approach in a range of different disorders in young people. The core effective components of cognitive behaviour therapy have yet to be determined. Further research is needed in this area, including investigation into the development of cognitions in children and adolescents, and the role of families.

Three Psychological Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa

The specificity and magnitude of the effects of cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of bulimia nervosa were evaluated. Seventy-five patients who met strict diagnostic criteria were treated with either cognitive behavior therapy, a simplified behavioral version of this treatment, or interpersonal psychotherapy. Assessment was by interview and self-report questionnaire, and many aspects of functioning were evaluated. All three treatments resulted in an improvement in the measures of the psychopathology. Cognitive behavior therapy was more effective than interpersonal psychotherapy in modifying the disturbed attitudes to shape and weight, extreme attempts to diet, and self-induced vomiting. Cognitive behavior therapy was more effective than behavior therapy in modifying the disturbed attitudes to shape and weight and extreme dieting, but it was equivalent in other respects. The findings suggest that cognitive behavior therapy, when applied to patients with bulimia nervosa, operates through mechanisms specific to this treatment and is more effective than both interpersonal psychotherapy and a simplified behavioral version of cognitive behavior therapy.