Inpatient cognitive behaviour therapy for anorexia nervosa: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders

Background:

• Anorexia nervosa requires effective inpatient treatments.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) is a leading approach for eating disorders.
• Comparing tailored vs. broader CBT-E is crucial for severe cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of two enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) programs for hospitalized anorexia nervosa patients.
• To evaluate a standard CBT-E program against one incorporating additional psychological difficulties.
• To assess treatment acceptance and efficacy in a severe patient population.

Main Methods:

• Eighty patients with severe anorexia nervosa were randomized into two inpatient CBT-E treatment arms.
• Both programs consisted of 20 weeks of treatment (13 inpatient, 7 day patient).
• Patients were followed for 12 months post-treatment with blind assessments.

Main Results:

• High acceptance (81%) and completion rates (90%) were observed for inpatient CBT-E.
• Both programs led to significant improvements in weight, eating disorder, and general psychopathology.
• No statistically significant differences in outcomes were found between the two CBT-E program variations.

Conclusions:

• Inpatient enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) is well-accepted and effective for severe anorexia nervosa.
• The findings suggest that a focused CBT-E approach is as effective as a more complex version.
• Both CBT-E programs represent a viable and promising treatment for severe anorexia nervosa.