Dissociation between cognitive-behavioral and emotional-psychophysiological aspects in Eating Disorders and its pre-post treatment stability

Abstract

Objective
The present work aims to assess the effectiveness of an integrate treatment in a group of patients with Eating Disorders (EDs).
Methods
15 women with an ED, who underwent a multidisciplinary treatment, were subdivided into two groups (Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa). Participants were evaluated by: Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) and Psychophysiological Profile (PPP). Administration was repeated six months after the start of treatment and at treatment termination.
Results
Elevated levels of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and hostility at the diagnostic phase and low levels of physiological reactivity were observed. A significant reduction in patient-reported depressive symptoms was detected within six months following the onset of treatment. Progressive improvement of anxiety and hostility was observed in the medium- long term. At the physiological level, an increase in skin conductance values was observed during the stress phase in the medium-long term.
Discussion
A partial desynchronization emerged between patients’ physiological and cognitive responses.