Recent Advances in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED)

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2024 May 8. doi: 10.1007/s11920-024-01509-0. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Eating disorders require more effective therapies than are currently available. While cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED) has the most evidence to support its effectiveness, it requires substantial improvement in order to enhance its reach and outcomes, and to reduce relapse rates. Recent years have seen a number of noteworthy developments in CBT-ED, which are summarised in this paper.

Recent findings: The key advances identified here include: improvements in the efficiency and availability of CBT-ED; expansion of applicability to younger cases across durations of eating disorder; and new methodologies. There have been important recent advances in the field of CBT-ED. However, it is important to stress that there remain gaps in our evidence base and clinical skills, and suggestions are made for future research and clinical directions.

Keywords: Accessibility; Cognitive-behaviour therapy; Duration; Eating disorders; Effectiveness; Review.

Publication types

  • Review