” and Interpersonal Psycho-Therapy, which focuses on relationship problems (5) — did less well in a randomized clinical trial than a control group. At a 6-year follow-up the theory-based therapies were still no better (69).
Preliminary data indicate that our evolutionary neurobiological explanation improves recovery. Explaining that compulsions to move and fear of feeding were evolutionary adaptations that once saved their ancestors helps patients resist them (70). This also improves patients’ motivation and confidence that they can recover and helps clinicians and loved ones empathize and support them in recovering their weight.
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