Individual Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Individual Emotion Skills Training for Anorexia Nervosa: A Case Series Study in a Paediatric Ward
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) often present cognitive rigidity, impaired decision-making, and difficulties processing emotions, all of which can impede engagement in treatment. The marked rise in paediatric hospitalisations for AN during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for brief, targeted interventions in inpatient settings.
METHODS: This case series explored the feasibility and preliminary effects of combining Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Cognitive Remediation and Emotion Skills Training (CREST) for eight female adolescents (12-16 years) admitted to a paediatric ward with AN or atypical AN. Over the course of their hospitalisation, participants received 20 individual CRT + CREST sessions in addition to standard multidisciplinary care.
RESULTS: Neuropsychological and self-report measures administered at admission (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 6-month follow-up (T2) revealed significant improvements in central coherence, cognitive flexibility, decision-making, theory of mind, and interoceptive awareness between T0 and T1 (all p < 0.05). These gains were maintained at T2, with no further significant changes. All participants completed the intervention without dropout.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that CRT combined with CREST is a feasible, developmentally sensitive approach that may enhance cognitive and emotional readiness for subsequent therapy in adolescents with AN during inpatient care. Larger controlled studies are…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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