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Published on: August 21, 2015
Family-based early intervention for anorexia nervosa
Megan Jones1, Ulrike Völker, James Lock
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA. meganjones@stanford.edu
Summary
This study found that a family-based online intervention effectively reduced anorexia nervosa (AN) risk factors in adolescent girls. The Parents Act Now program was feasible, acceptable, and showed short-term efficacy in prevention.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder with significant risk factors.
- Early intervention is crucial for preventing the exacerbation of AN pathology.
- Family-based interventions show promise in addressing eating disorder risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of a family-based, Internet-facilitated intervention for anorexia nervosa risk factors.
- To determine if potential risk factors for AN can be modified through the Parents Act Now program.
- To assess the program's effectiveness in the USA and Germany.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month study involving 46 girls (aged 11-17) and their parents.
- Parents participated in a six-week, Internet-facilitated intervention (Parents Act Now).
- Evaluations were conducted at screening, baseline, and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- 24% of screened girls met AN risk criteria.
- Parents accessed most online sessions and reported positive program experiences.
- 16 of 19 participants showed reduced AN risk status, maintained or increased ideal body weight, and reported fewer disordered eating attitudes/behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The Parents Act Now program is a feasible and acceptable brief online intervention for AN prevention.
- Minimal therapist support is needed for this family-based, Internet-facilitated approach.
- The program demonstrates potential benefits in preventing the worsening of AN pathology.
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