OBJECTIVE

To identify the features of anxiety and depressive disorders in adolescents with eating disorders (ED) in a comprehensive approach to treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 30 middle-aged (11—14 years) and older female adolescents (15—18 years) with ED. All patients underwent psychotherapy using a cognitive-behavioral approach 2 times a week, as well as psychopharmacotherapy using SSRI antidepressants (fluvoxamine, sertraline). A standardized assessment method was used using the Children’s Depression Inventory, the multivariate assessment of childhood anxiety, the Lazarus Coping Strategy Questionnaire, and the Eating Behavior Rating Scale.

RESULTS

The clinical severity and severity of depression were significantly more often detected in girls of the older adolescent group (U=4.5, p<0.05). The highest scores in adolescents of middle and older groups were found on the scales «Decrease in mental activity due to anxiety» (1.52 and 1.64 points respectively), «Increased autonomic reactivity due to anxiety» (1.46 and 1.55 points respectively), «Anxiety related to the evaluation of others» (1.51 and 1.61 points respectively), as well as «Anxiety in relations with peers» (1.53 and 1.64 points respectively). A correlation was found between the severity of anxiety and depression and the choice of certain coping strategies (p<0.05). In both age groups, adolescents more often used maladaptive behavioral strategies.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest the importance of choosing an individual way to build a cognitive-behavioral therapy plan, taking into account personal responses and the emotional status of adolescents with ED.