Psychological intervention of Eating Disorders approached from Behavioral Cognitive Therapy: Presentation of a case of Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

In the present article is presented a cognitive-behavioral psychological intervention procedure applied to a 13- year-old adolescent with an eating behavior disorder, diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. We used a unique case design and pre-post assessments, with eating pathology questionnaires such as the EAT40, BULIT-R, the YBC-EDS scale and the BSQ, and emotional well- being such as STAI and BDI-II. The intervention was designed based on the functional analysis of behavior in order to: increase motivation and adherence to treatment, establish a healthy eating behavior pattern, stabilize mood and improve self-concept. The techniques used were: psychoeducation, motivational techniques, behavioral techniques, exposure techniques and cognitive restructuring. The intervention was carried out in 18 months, in which the sessions were double twice a week during the first 8 months and then the sessions were weekly. From a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the evolution of the patient, it could be concluded that the treatment was effective.