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

Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Eating Disorders
Interventions
Behavioral: Family Based Therapy
Behavioral: Ego-Oriented Individual Psychotherapy
Registration Number
NCT00149786
Lead Sponsor
Stanford University
Brief 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
120
Inclusion Criteria
  • Meets DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa
  • Lives with at least one parent who is willing to participate
  • Medically stable
  • Adequate transportation to clinic
  • Proficient at speaking, reading, and writing English
Exclusion Criteria
  • Currently undergoing treatment or taking medication that may affect eating or weight

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
1Family Based TherapyThose adolescents receiving family based therapy
2Ego-Oriented Individual PsychotherapyThose adolescents receiving individual therapy
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Scores on the Eating Disorders ExaminationMeasured at Year 1 of treatment and Year 1 of follow-up
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine

🇺🇸

Chicago, Illinois, United States

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