Individual Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Individual Emotion Skills Training for Anorexia Nervosa: A Case Series Study in a Paediatric Ward.

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 needed to confirm these promising results.