Maladaptive schemas in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa and implications for treatment. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Damiano, Stephanie R.; Reece, John; Reid, Sophie; Atkins, Linsey; Patton, George
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 16(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Anorexia nervosa -- Maladaptive schemas -- Schema -- Cognitions -- Adolescent; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.10.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: Recent research has highlighted the presence of Young's Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) in individuals with an eating disorder (ED). This study assessed the EMSs reported by adolescent females with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) compared with a community group. Thirty-six adolescent females diagnosed with AN or subthreshold AN and 111 female secondary school students completed a questionnaire that included the Young Schema Questionnaire, the Behavior Assessment System for Children Self-report of Personality, and the Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care. Two independent AN subtypes and two community subtypes were derived from responses to the questionnaire, and significant differences between the four comparison groups were found. High Pathology AN participants reported the highest level of psychological maladjustment. Social Isolation and Emotional Inhibition appeared to be most characteristic of adolescent AN in this sample. The results suggest that EMSs may require attention in the treatment of AN in adolescent females, and that different AN subtypes may require individualized treatment approaches. Highlights: Maladaptive schemas were present in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa. Higher scores were reported by anorexia nervosa patients than healthy controls. Patients with greater general psychopathology reported more maladaptive schemas. Treatment of anorexia nervosa may be enhanced by incorporating schema therapy.