The use of cognitive remediation therapy on a child adolescent eating disorder unit: Patients and therapist perspectives

Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2017 Apr;22(2):288-300. doi: 10.1177/1359104516657859. Epub 2016 Jul 18.

Abstract

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is an intervention for anorexia nervosa (AN) that focuses on ameliorating the neuropsychological inefficiencies that underlie the illness. The current literature has reported promising results regarding its efficacy as an intervention for AN. However, there is a scarcity of studies considering the implementation of CRT in a child and adolescent population. This article describes an individual CRT therapy programme for children and adolescents with AN delivered on an inpatient unit for eating disorders. It considers the therapeutic process including the differing viewpoints of the patients and the therapists. The article concludes that CRT can be viewed as an engaging therapeutic intervention that could be useful as an additional treatment for AN.

Keywords: Cognitive remediation therapy; anorexia nervosa; children and adolescents; eating disorders; inpatient treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anorexia Nervosa / therapy*
  • Child
  • Cognitive Remediation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inpatients*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*