# Brief Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)‐Informed Reformulation for Young People With Eating Disorders: A Case Series

## TL;DR

This study tested a short therapy approach for young people with eating disorders and found it feasible and acceptable.

## Contribution

A brief, CAT-informed reformulation approach for young people with eating disorders was evaluated for feasibility and acceptability.

## Key findings

- All eight participants attended all sessions and completed assessments.
- Participants reported positive experiences and showed reduced psychological distress and eating disorder severity.
- The study highlights the need for larger trials to explore this approach further.

## Abstract

Onset of Eating Disorder (ED) peaks in young people, and interpersonal factors can influence development and maintenance. With increased referrals to ED services, accessible, brief interventions may support early intervention and improve outcomes. Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) is a transdiagnostic relational approach, which can offer benefit for a range of presenting difficulties. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, CAT‐informed reformulation for young people with ED.

A case series design recruited eight young people who met inclusion and exclusion criteria to participate in the five‐session reformulation intervention.

Recruitment took place from NHS ED services. Feasibility and acceptability were measured via recruitment, retention, qualitative feedback and missing data. Psychological distress, ED severity, personal recovery and motivation to change were assessed at baseline, post‐intervention and follow‐up. Participants also completed sessional measures of psychological distress and alliance.

Eight eligible participants aged 15–24 years (M = 20.25, SD = 3.58) consented to take part and received the intervention. All participants attended all intervention sessions and completed all assessments. Participants reported positive experiences of the intervention. There was an associated reduction across clinical outcomes, including psychological distress and ED severity.

This case series showed promising results on the feasibility and acceptability of a brief CAT‐informed reformulation for young people with ED. However, the study had a small sample size and no comparator control group. Larger scale exploration of a brief CAT‐informed reformulation for EDs among young people is warranted.

The study was preregistered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05746364).