Combined mindfulnessand acceptance-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy treatments for eating disorders: A narrative review

Abstract

We reviewed treatments for eating disorders that incorporated both mindfulness-and acceptance-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) content. We included peer-reviewed studies where participants had an eating disorder or subclinical disordered eating and the treatment combined at least some elements from both mindfulness-and acceptance-based therapy and CBT. Although the literature is nascent, preliminary evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and potential efficacy of these combined treatments is promising. Specifically, the acceptability and feasibility of combined mindfulness-and acceptance-based therapy with CBT is excellent. Combining these treatments have also shown to improve eating disorder symptoms as well as secondary outcomes (e.g., depression, quality of life). Although initial data are promising, most studies have been open trials, had small samples, and had short follow-up periods. Future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to further evaluate combined mindfulness-and acceptance-based therapy and CBT treatments.