The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders

Introduction: Considering the importance of studying young Kosovars, with a special focus on the mental disorders that are appearing every day in our society, we have researched the effectiveness of behavioral cognitive therapy in patients with eating disorders. Purpose: To prove the effectiveness and impact that cognitive-behavioral therapy has on patients with eating disorders, compared to patients who use only medications. Methodology: The research was conceptualized as a cause-and-effect experiment, lasted 8-12 weeks for 60 patients selected with eating disorders, in 30 patients CBT and medications were applied and in 30 patients only medications were used. In the same patients, it was measured by the level of anxiety and depression at the beginning in the middle and at the end of therapy. Results: According to the results, there is a statistically significant difference in the level of anxiety in patients with bulimia nervosa who applied CBT compared with patients who used only medications. There is also a statistically significant difference in the level of depression in patients with anorexia nervosa who applied CBT compared with patients who used only medications. According to the data, the duration of the disease in patients with CBT lasts less than 6 months, while patients with medication last 8-12 months. Conclusions: According to research facts, the application of behavioral cognitive therapy has shown high efficacy in the treatment of eating disorders, compared to patients who have used only medications. Applying cognitive behavioral therapy still remains a challenge for our society