ABSTRACT
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) has developed a strong position within clinical practice and is mentioned in the NICE guidelines for personality disorder. This chapter discusses the available evidence base and considers areas for further development. Calvert and Kellett reviewed the evidence base for outcomes in Cognitive Analytic Therapy published up to 2013. In their systemic review, they identified 26 outcome studies that met inclusion criteria methodological. Further implications of these findings are that CAT holds a strong position in tertiary mental health services which, with the advent of Improving Access to Psychological Therapy, are seeing increasingly complex presentations where NICE guidelines are not necessarily applicable. To grow in strength, CAT needs to increase its evidence base. This is particularly important in order to enable CAT to continue to be recognised and funded by National Health Service (NHS) commissioners as well as continue to develop and adapt to the changing needs of the NHS.
