Cognitive remediation therapy in eating disorders: a systematic review

This study constitutes a systematic review analyzing the evidence on the effectiveness of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) in the treatment of eating disorders in adults, with a particular focus on anorexia nervosa (AN). Studies published between 2005 and 2025 were examined using various databases, applying inclusion criteria that ensured relevance and methodological quality based on PRISMA. A total of 24 articles were collected, and data related to sample characteristics, assessment instruments (self-reports and performance-based tests), and outcomes were reported. Findings indicate that CRT significantly improves executive functions and central coherence, which are critical elements in counteracting the cognitive rigidity inherent to eating disorders. It was observed that CRT, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, enhances therapeutic engagement and reduces treatment dropout rates. Additionally, factors such as age, body mass index, illness duration, and comorbidities influence the intervention's effectiveness, highlighting the need for personalized treatment protocols. The implications of these results suggest that CRT stands as a promising complementary intervention. Further research is recommended with larger samples and standardized methodologies integrating both objective and subjective assessments to optimize the therapy's application.