There was no superiority of a specific approach .
Weight gains were more rapid in adolescents and inpatient treatment .
Background : The aim of the study was a systematic review of studies evaluating psychotherapeutic treatment approaches in anorexia nervosa and to compare their efficacy .
Weight gain was chosen as the primary outcome criterion .
We also aim ed to compare treatment effects according to service level ( inpatient vs. outpatient ) and age group ( adolescents vs. adults ) .
Out-patient psychological therapies for adults with anorexia nervosa: randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Very limited evidence is available on how to treat adults with anorexia nervosa and treatment outcomes are poor . Novel treatment approaches are urgently needed . AIMS To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a novel psychological therapy for anorexia nervosa ( Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults , MANTRA ) compared with specialist supportive clinical management ( SSCM ) in a r and omised controlled trial . METHOD Seventy-two adult out- patients with anorexia nervosa or eating disorder not otherwise specified were recruited from a specialist eating disorder service in the UK . Participants were r and omly allocated to 20 once weekly sessions of MANTRA or SSCM and optional additional sessions depending on severity and clinical need ( trial registration : IS RCT N62920529 ) . The primary outcomes were body mass index , weight and global score on the Eating Disorders Examination at end of treatment ( 6 months ) and follow-up ( 12 months ) . Secondary outcomes included : depression , anxiety and clinical impairment ; neuropsychological outcomes ; recovery rates ; and additional service utilisation . RESULTS At baseline , patients r and omised to MANTRA were significantly less likely to be in a partner relationship than those receiving SSCM ( 3/34 v. 10/36 ; P<0.05 ) . Patients in both treatments improved significantly in terms of eating disorder and other outcomes , with no differences between groups . Strictly defined recovery rates were low . However , MANTRA patients were significantly more likely to require additional in-patient or day-care treatment than those receiving SSCM ( 7/34 v. 0/37 ; P = 0.004 ) . CONCLUSIONS Adults with anorexia nervosa are a difficult to treat group . The imbalance between groups in partner relationships may explain differences in service utilisation favouring SSCM . This study confirms SSCM as a useful treatment for out- patients with anorexia nervosa . The novel treatment , MANTRA , design ed for this patient group may need adaptations to fully exploit its potential
There was no superiority of a specific approach .
Weight gains were more rapid in adolescents and inpatient treatment .
Background : The aim of the study was a systematic review of studies evaluating psychotherapeutic treatment approaches in anorexia nervosa and to compare their efficacy .
Weight gain was chosen as the primary outcome criterion .
We also aim ed to compare treatment effects according to service level ( inpatient vs. outpatient ) and age group ( adolescents vs. adults ) .