[Psychodynamic group psychotherapy with obese patients].

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of a short-term psychodynamic oriented group therapy with a selected sample of obese patients. We selected, from the patients referred to the Eating Disorders Consultation Service, 7 obese patients. Selection criteria were as follows: 1) aged between 20 and 40; 2) absence of severe organic disorders, as determining factors for the onset of obesity; 3) absence of severe psychiatric symptomatology. In addiction the selected subjects had to be sufficiently motivated to take up a psychological treatment. Subject underwent a clinical semi-structured interview and two questionnaires (SCL90 and TFEQ) were administered. Patients were re-evaluated at the end of the treatment and a two-years follow-up has been carried out. The group was conducted by a psychiatric and a psychologist, supervised by a group therapist. The group therapy lasted 6 months with 75' minutes weekly sessions. When the therapy was over all subjects showed an improved clinical picture: two of them had a remarkable weight reduction and one subject reached his ideal weight. The weight loss and maintenance at follow-up compared favorably with the results reported for other psychological treatments for obesity. The group setting, for its homogeneity, allowed great cohesiveness and let the members achieve, an increased emotional awareness of their self-image. This experience seem to confirm the effectiveness of a short-term group therapy in an institutional setting.