Cinematherapy in the day hospital treatment of patients with eating disorders. Case study and clinical considerations

This paper described the application of cinematherapy in the context of an intensive day hospital treatment program for patients with eating disorders (EDs) for a 40-year-old woman (L.) with a diagnosis of binge-purging anorexia nervosa (AN). The treatment of EDs is complex and still not completely defined. On one hand it is necessary to treat symptoms and on the other hand the use of creative techniques in addition to psychotherapy could be useful to improve skills concerning the experience, recognition and description of patients’ emotions. Moreover their ability to think using metaphors and to give a meaning both to illness and treatment could be also improved. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.