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Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa With Emerging Adults: A Retrospective Case Series in Routine Clinical Care
D Nursigadoo1, E Dodge1, K L Allen1,2
1Adult Eating Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Summary
An adapted Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN-EA) shows promise for emerging adults with anorexia nervosa. Most completers achieved weight restoration and were discharged to general practitioner care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) significantly impacts emerging adults.
- Limited treatment options exist for this demographic.
- Family therapy is a recognized intervention for adolescent AN.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the applicability of an adapted Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN-EA) for emerging adults (18-25 years).
- To explore treatment outcomes in a routine outpatient setting.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 30 emerging adults diagnosed with AN or atypical AN.
- Data collected included demographics, treatment duration, sessions, non-completion, inpatient need, and BMI at assessment and discharge.
- Participants received adapted FT-AN-EA in an outpatient setting.
Main Results:
- 28 participants completed the adapted FT-AN-EA, with a mean treatment duration of 10 months (22 sessions).
- 71.4% of completers achieved a healthy weight (BMI > 18.5 kg/m²).
- 85.7% of completers were discharged to general practitioner care, indicating successful outpatient management.
Conclusions:
- Adapted FT-AN demonstrates preliminary applicability for emerging adults with anorexia nervosa.
- Further controlled studies are necessary to confirm efficacy and refine treatment adaptations for this population.
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