Comparing the Effectiveness of Three Types of Therapy for the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents

The University of Chicago

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 2

Conditions: Eating Disorders

Treatments: Behavioral: Family therapy (FT); Behavioral: Individual therapy (IT)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT00183586

R01MH070620 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

DDTR B4-ARE

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will compare specific family therapy, standard family systems therapy, and standard individual psychotherapy to determine which is most effective in treating adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Full description

In adolescents, anorexia nervosa severely affects physical, emotional, and social development. Despite the seriousness and prevalence of adolescent anorexia nervosa, few studies have focused on the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy treatment. Family-based therapy may be an effective approach to treating adolescent anorexia nervosa. This study will compare specific family therapy (FT), standard family systems therapy (FS), and standard individual psychotherapy (IT) to determine which is most effective in treating adolescent anorexia nervosa. The study also aims to determine potential predictors and moderators of outcomes, as well as the cost-benefit ratio of each treatment.

Participants in this open-label study will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1 will receive FT, Group 2 will receive FS, and Group 3 will receive IT. All participants will receive a total of 24 hours of their assigned therapy over a period of 12 months. Study visits will occur at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and again six months and one year post-intervention. Weight change will be assessed, as well as changes in concerns about weight and shape. The cost-benefit ratio of the treatments will also be evaluated.

Enrollment: 121 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 12 to 18 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (4th Edition) (DSM-IV) criteria for anorexia nervosa

Exclusion criteria

• Any psychotic illness

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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121 participants in 2 patient groups

1

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive family-based treatment

Treatment:

Behavioral: Family therapy (FT)

2

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive individual adolescent focused therapy

Treatment:

Behavioral: Individual therapy (IT)