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 ) .
Randomized Clinical Trial of Parent-Focused Treatment and Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa.
OBJECTIVE There have been few r and omized clinical trials ( RCTs ) for adolescents with anorexia nervosa ( AN ) . Most of these posit that involving all family members in treatment supports favorable outcomes . However , at least 2 RCTs suggest that separate parent and adolescent sessions may be just as effective as conjoint treatment . This study compared the relative efficacy of family-based treatment ( FBT ) and parent-focused treatment ( PFT ) . In PFT , the therapist meets with the parents only , while a nurse monitors the patient . METHOD Participants ( N = 107 ) aged 12 to 18 years and meeting DSM 4(th)Edition criteria for AN or partial AN were r and omized to either FBT or PFT .  Participants were assessed at baseline , end of treatment ( EOT ) , and at 6 and 12 months posttreatment . Treatments comprised 18 outpatient sessions over 6 months . The primary outcome was remission , defined as ≥95 % of median body mass index and Eating Disorder Examination Global Score within 1 SD of community norms . RESULTS Remission was higher in PFT than in FBT at EOT ( 43 % versus 22 % ; p = .016 , odds ratio [ OR ] = 3.03 , 95 % CI = 1.23 - 7.46 ) , but did not differ statistically at 6-month ( PFT 39 % versus FBT 22 % ; p = .053 , OR = 2.48 , CI = 0.989 - 6.22 ) , or 12-month ( PFT 37 % versus FBT 29 % ; p = .444 , OR = 1.39 , 95 % CI = 0.60 - 3.21 ) follow-up . Several treatment effect moderators of primary outcome were identified . CONCLUSION At EOT , PFT was more efficacious than FBT in bringing about remission in adolescents with AN . However , differences in remission rates  between PFT and FBT at follow-up were not statistically significant . CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION A R and omised Controlled Trial of Two Forms of Family-Based Treatment and the Effect on Percent Ideal Body Weight and Eating Disorders Symptoms in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa ; http://www.anzctr.org.au/ ; ACTRN12610000216011
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 ) .