Examining DBT Day Treatment in Treating Mood Dysregulation Expectancy and Anxiety in Women Diagnosed with Eating Disorders

AbstractEating disorders (EDs), particularly anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), are characterized by emotional and behavioral disturbances in eating patterns and body image that result in significant distress and functional impairment (as reported by APA, (APA dictionary of psychology, American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, 2015)). Ben-Porath and colleagues (Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 40:115-123, 2010) have researched the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) day treatment program in reducing negative mood regulation and anxiety among women diagnosed with AN, BN, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). The current study extended past research on the effectiveness of DBT day treatment by analyzing the improvement in these patients ’ scores on the beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and the generalized expectancy for negative mood regulation (NMR) Scale after treatment. We compared pre- and post-treatment scores using paired samples t-tests. We also examined rates of clinically significant change in these areas post-treatment. The results indicated that participants demonstrated a reduction in expectancies for negative mood dysregulation and anxiety after undergoing DBT day treatment for EDs. Limitations and implications of this study are discussed.
Source: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research