Allan Jones1, Nanna Lindekilde2, Marlene Lübeck3, Loa Clausen4. 1. a Allan Jones, Institute of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark. 2. b Nanna Lindekilde, Institute of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark. 3. c Marlene Lübeck, Institute of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark , Denmark. 4. d Loa Clausen, Centre of Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital , Risskov , Denmark.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the eating disorder literature in order to examine the association between pre-treatment interpersonal problems and treatment outcome in people diagnosed with an eating disorder. METHODS: Six relevant databases were searched for studies in which interpersonal problems prior to treatment were examined in relation to treatment outcome in patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) or eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). RESULTS: Thirteen studies were identified (containing 764 AN, 707 BN and 48 EDNOS). The majority of studies indicated that interpersonal problems at the start of therapy were associated with a detrimental treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a binge/purge-type of eating disorder may be particularly vulnerable to interpersonal issues and these issues may lead to poorer treatment recovery by reducing the individual's ability to engage in the treatment process on a functional level. The clinical and research implications are discussed.
OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the eating disorder literature in order to examine the association between pre-treatment interpersonal problems and treatment outcome in people diagnosed with an eating disorder. METHODS: Six relevant databases were searched for studies in which interpersonal problems prior to treatment were examined in relation to treatment outcome in patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) or eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). RESULTS: Thirteen studies were identified (containing 764 AN, 707 BN and 48 EDNOS). The majority of studies indicated that interpersonal problems at the start of therapy were associated with a detrimental treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a binge/purge-type of eating disorder may be particularly vulnerable to interpersonal issues and these issues may lead to poorer treatment recovery by reducing the individual's ability to engage in the treatment process on a functional level. The clinical and research implications are discussed.