Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) for anorexia in group format: A pilot study

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) was designed to address the inflexible and detail focused thinking styles frequently reported in individuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). This paper reports the development and acceptability of a pilot of CRT for AN in group format. Four group sessions were designed and piloted with 30 patients in an eating disorder service. The voluntary drop out rate was 20%. Outcome measures targeting patients’ selfreported cognitive flexibility, self esteem and motivation to change were completed in the first and last sessions. Statistically significant gains were found in self reported ability to change (p=0.03). Both patients and group facilitators found the group acceptable, useful and a positive experience.