Interpersonal psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
This paper outlines the rationale for treating individuals with anorexia nervosa using interpersonal psychotherapy.


METHODS
We review theoretical, empirical, and psychotherapy literature relating to interpersonal functioning in anorexia nervosa.


RESULTS
Etiological theories emphasize interpersonal and family dysfunction in the development of anorexia nervosa. Research supports the notion that families of individuals with anorexia nervosa have dysfunctional patterns of communication. The history of treatment for anorexia nervosa emphasizes the need for resolution of interpersonal dysfunction, within the traditions of psychodynamic, family therapy, and multidimensional therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a time-limited psychotherapy based on the notion that regardless of etiology, interpersonal relationships are intertwined with symptomatology. The goals of the therapy are to improve interpersonal functioning and thereby decrease symptomatology. Factors identified as important in the development of anorexia nervosa are readily conceptualized within the interpersonal psychotherapy problem areas of grief, interpersonal disputes, interpersonal deficits, and role transitions.
McIntosh
V V
VV
Clinical Research Unit, Healthlink South and Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand. virginia.mcintosh@chmeds.ac.nz
Bulik
C M
CM
McKenzie
J M
JM
Luty
S E
SE
Jordan
J
J
D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations