Mental health articles

Numerous studies support the effi cacy of group therapy for individuals with eating disorders (e.g., Garner, Fairburn, & Davis, 1997; Rosenvinge, 1990). Various group therapies—psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducational, topic-focused, and self-help—have all been shown to be eff ective. Nonspecifi c factors, such as a sense of belonging and interpersonal feedback, are considered to be more important than the orientation used. Groups are capable of diminishing eating disordered patients’ common fantasies of uniqueness and feelings of alienation. General guidelines include screening out patients with low motivation, comorbid psychiatric disorders, or extreme shyness, and preparing clients by making expectations explicit. Groups that emphasize the interpersonal process should be kept small, whereas didactic groups can accommodate more clients (Polivy & Federoff , 1997). Harper-Giuff re and MacKenzie (1992) provide an excellent guide. Opinions diff er as to whether eating disorder groups should be homogeneous with regard to type of disorder and symptom severity, and specifi cally whether homogeneous groups minimize or maximize competition and emulation. When mixed eating disorder groups work well, members recognize the suff ering and isolation common to all eating disorders and encourage one another to strive toward health.

Tags: disorder, eating disorders, therapy