Jennifer Campbell, Utah State University
Psychology
Eating disorders are pervasive mental illnesses that overwhelm the lives of individuals who struggle with them. For individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa who do not respond to other treatments, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has the potential to be effective. This presentation looks to orient researchers to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy while supplying a potentially useful treatment option for those who struggle with clinical anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The current literature comes together to support the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the treatment of eating disorders, specifically anorexia. This presentation focuses on the symptomatology and physical effects of anorexia and bulimia, as well as core principles and processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Future directions regarding the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be broadened to include adolescents as well as other types of eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder and eating disorders not otherwise specified.