The acceptability, feasibility, and possible benefits of a neurobiologically-informed 5-day multifamily treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa
Corresponding Author
Christina E. Wierenga PhD
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Correspondence Christina E. Wierenga, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD Department of Psychiatry, Chancellor Park, 4510 Executive Dr., Suite 315, San Diego, CA 92121.
Email: [email protected]; http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu
Search for more papers by this authorStephanie Knatz Peck PhD
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorJason McCray PhD
The Center for Balanced Living, Columbus, Ohio
Search for more papers by this authorLaura Greathouse MPH
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorDanika Peterson BA
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorIvan Eisler PhD
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Search for more papers by this authorWalter H. Kaye MD
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Christina E. Wierenga PhD
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Correspondence Christina E. Wierenga, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD Department of Psychiatry, Chancellor Park, 4510 Executive Dr., Suite 315, San Diego, CA 92121.
Email: [email protected]; http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu
Search for more papers by this authorStephanie Knatz Peck PhD
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorJason McCray PhD
The Center for Balanced Living, Columbus, Ohio
Search for more papers by this authorLaura Greathouse MPH
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorDanika Peterson BA
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorIvan Eisler PhD
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Search for more papers by this authorWalter H. Kaye MD
Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
Search for more papers by this authorFunding information: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA); the Global Foundation for Eating Disorders (GFED) and the Price Foundation
Abstract
Objective
Novel treatments for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) are lacking. Recent scientific advances have identified neurobiologically-driven temperament contributors to AN symptoms that may guide development of more effective treatments. This preliminary study evaluates the acceptability, feasibility and possible benefits of a multicenter open trial of an intensive 5-day neurobiologically-informed multifamily treatment for adults with AN and their supports (SU). The temperament-focused treatment combines psychoeducation of AN neurobiology and SU involvement to develop skills to manage traits contributing to disease chronicity.
Method
Fifty-four adults with AN and at least one SU (n = 73) received the 5-day treatment. Acceptability, feasibility, and attrition were measured post-treatment. Clinical outcome (BMI, eating disorder psychopathology, family function) was assessed post-treatment and at >3-month follow-up.
Results
The treatment had low attrition, with only one drop-out. Patients and SU rated the intervention as highly acceptable, and clinicians reported good feasibility. At post-treatment, patients demonstrated significantly increased BMI, reduced eating disorder psychopathology, and improved family function. Benefits were maintained in the 39 patients who completed follow-up assessment, with 62% reporting full or partial remission.
Discussion
Preliminary results are promising and suggest this novel treatment is feasible and acceptable. To establish treatment efficacy, fully-powered randomized controlled trials are necessary.
Supporting Information
Additional Supporting Information may be found online in the supporting information tab for this article.
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| eat22876-sup-0001-suppinfo01.docx40.7 KB | Supplementary Tables |
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