Funktionalitäten von Essstörungen - Ergebnisse einer Analyse im stationären Setting

Mikschl, Susanne; Schlegl, Sandra; Külz, Anne Katrin; Rief, Winfried und Voderholzer, Ulrich (2016): Funktionalitäten von Essstörungen - Ergebnisse einer Analyse im stationären Setting. In: Verhaltenstherapie, Bd. 26, Nr. 3: S. 159-169

Abstract

Introduction: Symptoms of mental disorders can serve different functions. The affected person frequently does not perceive the symptomatology as solely aversive;thus, the attitude towards therapy can be ambivalent. This survey aimed at identifying intrapsychic and interpersonal functions of eating disorders (EDs). Method: Functions of EDs were analyzed for 37 in-patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN), using a pilot questionnaire that consisted of an open introductory and concluding question each and an assessment of 18 defined functions. Qualitative content analysis was applied to classify the free-text answers. Frequency distributions were calculated, and mean values for AN and BN were compared. Results: Intrapsychic functions were more frequently ascribed to EDs than interpersonal functions. The most prominent functions were emotion regulation, gaining safety and control, and establishing content and structure. The introductory question returned establishing closeness and a feeling of security as the most frequently mentioned interpersonal functions;the answers to the concluding question suggest that EDs serve as a cry for help. The only significant difference between patients with AN and BN with regard to the functions of EDs was ED as a cry for help. Conclusions: A multitude of functions of EDs were registered. Intrapsychic functions, and particularly emotion regulation, are highly relevant. The results highlight the importance of specifically targeting functions in disorder-specific psychotherapy.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 1016-6262
• Allianz-/Nationallizenz: Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.
• Sprache: Deutsch