Interpersonal psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa

This paper outlines the rationale for treating individuals with anorexia ne rvosa using interpersonal psychotherapy. Method: We review theoretical, emp irical, and psychotherapy literature relating to interpersonal functioning in anorexia nervosa. Results: Etiological theories emphasize interpersonal and family dysfunction in-the development of anorexia nervosa. Research sup ports the notion that families of individuals with anorexia nervosa have dy sfunctional patterns of communication. The history of treatment for anorexi a nervosa emphasizes the need for resolution of interpersonal dysfunction, within the traditions of psychodynamic, family therapy, and multidimensiona l therapies. Discussion: Interpersonal psychotherapy is a time-limited psyc hotherapy based on the notion that regardless of etiology, interpersonal re lationships are intertwined with symptomatology. The goals of the therapy a re to improve interpersonal functioning and thereby decrease symptomatology . Factors identified as important in the development of anorexia nervosa ar e readily conceptualized within the interpersonal psychotherapy problem are as of grief; interpersonal disputes, interpersonal deficits, and role trans itions. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.