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.
Materials & Methods: 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.
Results: The treatment was associated with considerable reduction in the specific measures of
depression, anxiety and stress.
Conclusion: 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