Effectiveness of Family-Based Versus Individual Psychotherapy in Treating Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This study will compare the effectiveness of family-based therapy versus individual psychotherapy for the treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Detailed 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 the effectiveness of family-based therapy versus ego-oriented individual psychotherapy for the treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa. Simultaneously, it will examine potential predictors, mediators, and moderators of weight gain, psychological concerns about weight and shape, and changes in family functioning. Participants in this open-label study will be randomly assigned to receive one of two types of therapy: family-based therapy or ego-oriented individual psychotherapy. Both types of therapy will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months. Physical and psychological assessments will be completed during study visits at baseline, immediately post-treatment, six months post-treatment, and one year post-treatment. Amount of weight gain will be evaluated, along with changes in weight and body shape concerns, as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination.

Official Title
-----------------
Treatment of Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa

Conditions
-----------------
Eating Disorders

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Family Based Therapy
* Behavioral: Ego-Oriented Individual Psychotherapy


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Meets DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa Lives with at least one parent who is willing to participate Medically stable Adequate transportation to clinic Proficient at speaking, reading, and writing English Exclusion Criteria: Currently undergoing treatment or taking medication that may affect eating or weight

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

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: 1<br>Those adolescents receiving family based therapy | Behavioral: Family Based Therapy<br>* Family therapy will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months.<br>* Other names: FBT;|
| Active Comparator: 2<br>Those adolescents receiving individual therapy | Behavioral: Ego-Oriented Individual Psychotherapy<br>* Individual therapy will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months.<br>* Other names: EOIP;|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scores on the Eating Disorders Examination |  | Measured at Year 1 of treatment and Year 1 of follow-up | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Anorexia Nervosa, Adolescents, Family therapy, Individual therapy