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Cognitive-behavioural therapy for anorexia nervosa (CBT-AN-20): feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary
Heather C Duggan1, Hannah Turner2, Charlotte Rose3
1School of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences, 219 Portobello, Sheffield S1 4DP, UK.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|July 22, 2026
Summary
A new 20-session outpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa (CBT-AN-20) shows promising feasibility and effectiveness in improving weight, eating pathology, anxiety, and depression. Further research should focus on improving patient retention for this anorexia nervosa treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder with significant physical and psychological consequences.
- Existing treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) have limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- Outpatient treatment models are crucial for managing AN in adult populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of CBT-AN-20, a 20-session outpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa.
- To assess recruitment rates, retention, session attendance, and patient confidence in CBT-AN-20.
- To examine pre-post treatment changes in weight, eating pathology, anxiety, and depression.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal case-series study design was employed.
- Adult outpatients with anorexia nervosa were recruited for the CBT-AN-20 treatment.
- Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness were assessed using established measures and outcome indicators.
Main Results:
- High feasibility was observed with 84.72% recruitment and 84% session attendance.
- Moderate-to-high acceptability was indicated by 57.38% retention.
- Significant improvements in weight, eating pathology, anxiety, and depression were noted, with large effect sizes.
Conclusions:
- CBT-AN-20 demonstrates potential as a viable outpatient treatment alternative for adults with anorexia nervosa.
- While weight recovery rates were comparable to CBT-E, eating pathology recovery rates were lower.
- Enhancing patient retention is critical for optimizing treatment outcomes and requires further investigation.
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01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
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