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 ) .
A randomised controlled trial of three psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa.
BACKGROUND There is a lack of evidence pointing to the efficacy of any specific psychotherapy for adults with anorexia nervosa ( AN ) . The aim of this study was to compare three psychological treatments for AN : Specialist Supportive Clinical Management , Maudsley Model Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults and Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy . METHOD A multi-centre r and omised controlled trial was conducted with outcomes assessed at pre- , mid- and post-treatment , and 6- and 12-month follow-up by research ers blind to treatment allocation . All analyses were intention-to-treat . One hundred and twenty individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for AN were recruited from outpatient treatment setting s in three Australian cities and offered 25 - 40 sessions over a 10-month period . Primary outcomes were body mass index ( BMI ) and eating disorder psychopathology . Secondary outcomes included depression , anxiety , stress and psychosocial impairment . RESULTS Treatment was completed by 60 % of participants and 52.5 % of the total sample completed 12-month follow-up . Completion rates did not differ between treatments . There were no significant differences between treatments on continuous outcomes ; all result ed in clinical ly significant improvements in BMI , eating disorder psychopathology , general psychopathology and psychosocial impairment that were maintained over follow-up . There were no significant differences between treatments with regard to the achievement of a healthy weight ( mean = 50 % ) or remission ( mean = 28.3 % ) at 12-month follow-up . CONCLUSION The findings add to the evidence base for these three psychological treatments for adults with AN , but the results underscore the need for continued efforts to improve outpatient treatments for this disorder . Trial Registration Australian New Zeal and Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN 12611000725965 )
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 ) .