A ansiedade e suas implicações na bulimia nervosa: uma revisão da literatura da última década

Abstract

Introduction: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of excessive food intake, usually followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or the use of laxatives. Several studies have pointed to a close relationship between this disorder and high levels of anxiety, which often precede or accompany binge eating episodes. In this context, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been employed as a relevant therapeutic resource, as it helps patients develop greater awareness of their thoughts and emotions, in addition to offering practical strategies to manage anxiety and break the cycle of compulsion. Objective: This study aimed to investigate and analyze the relationship between anxiety and bulimia nervosa, in order to understand the implications of this connection for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of bulimia nervosa. Methodology: This study was designed as an integrative literature review covering the past ten years. The descriptors “anxiety,” “bulimia,” and “cognitive-behavioral therapy” were used in the electronic databases SciELO, Regional Portal of BVS, and CAPES Journals to identify relevant and up-to-date articles on the topic. Results: The review indicated that CBT is effective in reducing both eating disorder symptoms and anxiety. Furthermore, the findings suggest that high levels of anxiety influence treatment outcomes and are related to the strength of the therapeutic alliance and the frequency of binge eating episodes. Another relevant finding concerns the use of complementary technologies, such as serious games and virtual reality, which have shown potential to enhance the effects of CBT, particularly in reducing anxiety. The studies analyzed confirm the importance of CBT as an effective treatment and identify anxiety as a key factor in understanding and treating bulimia nervosa. Conclusion: Anxiety has a strong impact on the treatment process of bulimia nervosa. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emerges as the most effective therapeutic approach for managing both anxiety and bulimia nervosa. The results of this study highlight the importance of deepening the understanding of the link between anxiety and bulimia nervosa, with the aim of improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.