Cognitive behavioural therapy for enhancing mental wellbeing in adults with eating disorders

Abstract

Overview of the topic: An eating disorder is a type of severe mental disorder that is distinguished by significant disturbances in eating patterns, related thoughts, and feelings. An eating disorder may be more likely to develop in those who have experienced anxiety, trauma, OCD, depression, and other mental health problems. Considering cognitive behavioural therapy is still a relatively new form of therapy to the Maltese society, this dissertation will serve as a way to offer additional information on the effect this specific type of treatment provided on the chosen population. The Research Question: Is cognitive-behavioral therapy, more successful than treatment as usual, in enhancing the mental health wellbeing of adults with eating disorders? PICO Elements: Population (P): Adults with Eating Disorders; Intervention (I): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Comparison (C): Treatment as Usual; Outcome (O): Improvement in the mental health well-being. Method: Four databases were chosen to identify studies published within the last 10 year, from 2012 - 2022, in academic journals focusing on the PICO question. Two meta-analysis studies, two randomised controlled trials and one cohort study were chosen. Results: The results appear to support the use of CBT as a means of enhancing the overall mental health well-being of the populations in the studies and reducing ED symptoms. However, a firm conclusion could not be formed because of limitations in the reviewed literature and discrepancies in the findings. Implications and Recommendations: The efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other forms of treatment need to be established by additional local and international research. To help health care providers choose CBT as a strategy to enhance the mental health well being to their patients with eating disorders, by developing and providing guidelines.