EFFECTIVENESS OF DIALECTIC BEHAVIORAL THERAPY ON DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS IN ANOREXIA NERVOSA DISORDER: FOUR CASE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of dialectic behavioral therapy on depression, anxiety and stress in anorexia nervosa disorder, using a single case design.
Four consecutive chronic outpatients fulfilling DSM-5 criteria for Anorexia Nervosa disorder were treated according to core treatment manual of Behavioral Activation. Patients were assessed measuring depression, anxiety and stress scale.
The treatment was associated with considerable reduction in the specific measures of depression, anxiety and stress.
The results showed effectiveness of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Training on the level of depression, anxiety and stress in anorexia nervosa patients. Although this study was limited by the absence of a control group, these findings may be extended and generalized more for impulse therapy. The treatment appears promising, although a controlled evaluation of its effectiveness is necessary to draw a definitive conclusion.