Cbt Vs Fbt

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While FBT emphasizes a manual based, group, behavioral approach CBT focuses on an individual approach to treating anorexia nervosa focusing on maladaptive cognitions and behaviors (Wilson et al., 2007; Grave et al., 2014). CBT aims to produce change in adolescents by modifying their thought mechanisms that maintain their anorexia nervosa pathology (Grave et al., 2014). CBT is a form of intensive psychotherapy in which therapists are concerned with the adolescent’s overall functioning, not just eating and weight. According to Grave et al. (2014), CBT therapists help clients adjust to their rapid weight gain and better deal with the negative events and emotions that effect healthy eating patterns. Therapists enhance adolescent’s motivation to …show more content…

Though seen as a time marked by many internal and social struggles, adolescents actually experience more positive treatment outcomes than adults with the same disorder (Westwood & Kendal, 2012). While research shows that FBT and CBT can be effective in treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa as separate treatments, there is new research supporting that the two treatments are extremely beneficial when used in conjunction. FBT aids in the immediate restoration of weight, while CBT helps to simultaneously reduce critical thinking associated with gaining weight (Hurst & Zimmer-Gembeck, 2015). FBT allows patients and families to see immediate results, however the results are less likely to be lasting. CBT on the other hand is shown to produce successful treatment results long of treatment has been terminated (Hurst & Zimmer-Gembeck, 2015; Grave et al., 2014). By coupling FBT with CBT patients would receive the benefits that come with having a family support system, and the longstanding benefits that come from learning how to change maladaptive thinking patterns associated with weight and physical …show more content…

Another area that needs to be further researched is the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa. Psychopathology is highly complicated and can complicate the treatment process (Lock & Fitzpatrick, 2007). Though CBT focuses on anorexia nervosa psychopathology, there is still a need for better understanding (Wison et al., 2007). Lastly, further research needs to be done to see if the application of both treatments can be beneficial in treating children with anorexia

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