The use of effective treatments: the case of an adolescent girl with anorexia nervosa in the context of a conversion disorder.
The use of empirically supported treatment (EST) has been shown to enhance treatment outcome. The purpose of this case study was to suggest that ESTs further encourage effective reconceptualisation and the ongoing delivery of effective treatment, especially in the case of complex or atypical presentations or response to treatment. This report describes the case of an adolescent girl who underwent Maudsley family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) for a period of 12 months. Atypical response lead to an understanding of her presentation as representing a primary conversion disorder, within which AN symptoms were conceptualised as another somatic conversion of emotional distress. The report details her clinical presentation and management over the course of her illness. The case offers an important opportunity to explore the central role of the use of ESTs in guiding effective treatment delivery.
Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. mandy.goldstein@ymail.com
Mandy
M
Goldstein
Sloane
S
Madden
Lorna
L
Peters
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome