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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

Conditions
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Eating Disorders

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Family therapy (FT)
* Behavioral: Individual therapy (IT)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (4th Edition) (DSM-IV) criteria for anorexia nervosa Exclusion Criteria: Any psychotic illness

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 12 Years
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>Participants will receive family-based treatment | Behavioral: Family therapy (FT)<br>* FT is a family-based treatment that will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months.<br>* Other names: FBT;|
| Active Comparator: 2<br>Participants will receive individual adolescent focused therapy | Behavioral: Individual therapy (IT)<br>* IT is an ego-oriented psychotherapy treatment that will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months.<br>* Other names: EOIT or AFT;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight (BMI) |  | Measured at end-of-treatment and Months 6 and 12 post-treatment | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in shape and weight concerns as measured with Eating Disorder Examination subscales |  | Measured at end-of-treatment and Months 6 and 12 post-treatment | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Treatment outcomes study, Anorexia, Anorexia nervosa