NCT00149786

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

Treatment of Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (actual)
• Sponsor: Stanford University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 12 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Conditions

• Eating Disorders

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Family Based Therapy	Family therapy will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months.
BEHAVIORAL	Ego-Oriented Individual Psychotherapy	Individual therapy will be given for a total of 24 hours over the course of 12 months.

Timeline

• Start date: 2004-10-01
• Primary completion: 2008-03-01
• Completion: 2009-03-01
• First posted: 2005-09-08
• Last updated: 2012-04-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States