Manuela Caslini1, Laura Rivolta2, Luigi Enrico Zappa3, Giuseppe Carrà4, Massimo Clerici5. 1. PhD School in Neuroscience, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy - Specialist service for eating disorders, Psychiatry Operating Unit, San Gerardo Hospital Care Trust, Monza, MB, Italy. 2. Specialist service for eating disorders, Psychiatry Operating Unit, San Gerardo Hospital Care Trust, Monza, MB, Italy - Department of Psychology, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy. 3. Specialist service for eating disorders, Psychiatry Operating Unit, San Gerardo Hospital Care Trust, Monza, MB, Italy. 4. Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, United Kingdom. 5. Specialist service for eating disorders, Psychiatry Operating Unit, San Gerardo Hospital Care Trust, Monza, MB, Italy - Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, MB, Italy.
Abstract
AIM: Eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions associated with disability and a high rate of mortality. Typical characteristics of these diseases are dissociation, alexithymia and impulse dysregulation, all strategies dealing with negative emotions and regulate negative affect and anxiety. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of intensive psychological treatment for EDs, with particular reference to the above mentioned clinical characteristics. METHODS: Eight outpatients with eating disorders in psychotherapeutic treatment were evaluated in two stages after one year (T1 and T2), using the Eating Disorder Inventory II, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. RESULTS: Wilcoxon test showed significant reductions in DES score as well as in two subscales of the EDI-2, Impulse Regulation and Body Dissatisfaction (I-EDI2 and BD-EDI2), while alexithymia levels did not show any difference. CONCLUSIONS: We can confirm the effectiveness of psychotherapy in people with EDs as regards dissociative moments, impulsivity and body dissatisfaction. However, alexithymia remains unchanged, possibly because of its deep emotional nature.
AIM: Eating disorders (EDs) are complex conditions associated with disability and a high rate of mortality. Typical characteristics of these diseases are dissociation, alexithymia and impulse dysregulation, all strategies dealing with negative emotions and regulate negative affect and anxiety. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of intensive psychological treatment for EDs, with particular reference to the above mentioned clinical characteristics. METHODS: Eight outpatients with eating disorders in psychotherapeutic treatment were evaluated in two stages after one year (T1 and T2), using the Eating Disorder Inventory II, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. RESULTS: Wilcoxon test showed significant reductions in DES score as well as in two subscales of the EDI-2, Impulse Regulation and Body Dissatisfaction (I-EDI2 and BD-EDI2), while alexithymia levels did not show any difference. CONCLUSIONS: We can confirm the effectiveness of psychotherapy in people with EDs as regards dissociative moments, impulsivity and body dissatisfaction. However, alexithymia remains unchanged, possibly because of its deep emotional nature.