Acceptance and commitment therapy to reduce eating disorder symptoms and body image problems in patients with residual eating disorder symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Body image problems are central aspects of eating disorders (ED), and risk factors both for the development of and relapse into an ED. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) aims at helping patients accept uncomfortable internal experiences while committing to behaviors in accordance with life values. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of a group intervention, consisting of 12 sessions, based on ACT to treatment as usual (TAU) for patients with residual ED symptoms and body image problems. The study was a randomized controlled superiority trial. Patients with residual ED symptoms and body image problems were recruited from a specialized ED clinic in Sweden. The final sample consisted of 99 women, randomized to ACT or TAU. At the two-year follow-up, patients who received ACT showed a significant greater reduction in ED symptoms and body image problems and received less specialized ED care than patients in TAU. In conclusion, ACT was superior in reducing ED symptoms and body image problems.

Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy; Body dissatisfaction; Body image; Eating disorder; Psychotherapy; Randomized controlled trial.

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest Parling T, is the co-author of the self-help book “Lev med din kropp” upon which the treatment in this study is based on. The head of investigation Gustafsson, S.A., developed the manual in collaboration with the authors of the self-help book.

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