Emotion-focused treatments for anorexia nervosa: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The present review explores emotion-focused treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search across key databases (PsychINFO, PubMed/Medline, and Web of Science) prior to September 2015. Twenty studies were selected for systematic review.

RESULTS

The present review found initial evidence supporting the acceptability and feasibility of emotion-focused treatments for AN. Although preliminary results are promising, further controlled studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of emotion-focused treatments for AN.

CONCLUSIONS

Future controlled trials should compare emotion-focused treatments against each other and against other AN treatments. Future studies should also examine the mechanisms of action for the emotion-focused treatments and treatment moderators.