The spectrum of psychological problems in people with eating disorders, ananalysis of 30 eating disordered patients treated with Cognitive Analytic Therapy

Documented assessments and formulations were analysed on 30 patients with e ating disorders treated with Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). The range of problems in addition to the eating disorder, either reported by patients ( 'presenting problems') or identified by the therapist were classified. Fift y-seven interpersonal problems such as dependent or enmeshed relationships were identified, 50 intrapersonal, in particular negative feelings towards self, and 42 emotional dysregulation, most commonly depression. These resul ts and an analysis of identified 'reciprocal role procedures' are discussed in the light of current evidence and practice in the psychological treatme nt of people with eating disorders. Results confirm the importance of addre ssing interpersonal problems for many patients with eating disorders but al so other difficulties i.e. intrapersonal problems and emotional dysregulati on. CAT may have wider application to some eating disordered patients than therapies with a more limited focus. Further research is needed to assess t he relative merits of different models of focal psychotherapy in the treatm ent of eating disorders. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.