Effectiveness of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy in adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa

The importance of individualised care, good communication and trust for reducing nasogastric tube feeding under physical restraint: qualitative multi-informant study

BACKGROUND

Nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding against a patient's consent is an intervention that clinicians working in specialist mental health in-patient units may need to implement from time to time. Little research has explored clinician, patient and carer perspectives on good practice.

AIMS

To use qualitative data from people with lived experience (PWLE), parents/carers and clinicians, to identify components of best practice when this intervention is required.

METHOD

PWLE and parents/carers were recruited via BEAT UK's eating disorder charity. Clinicians were recruited via a post on The British Eating Disorders Society's research page. Semi-structured interviews were administered, transcribed and thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six interviews took place and overlapping themes were identified. Participants spoke in relation to three themes: first, the significance of individualised care; second, the importance of communication; third, the impact of staff relationships. Sub-themes were identified and explored.

CONCLUSIONS

Good care evolved around positive staff relationships and individualised care planning rather than standard processes. The centrality of trust as an important mediator of outcome was identified, and this should be acknowledged in any service that delivers this intervention.

Understanding community provider practices in diagnosing and treating atypical anorexia nervosa: A mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of consensus in defining "significant weight loss" when diagnosing atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) and no guidelines exist for setting target weight (TW). The current study aimed to identify community providers' practices related to the diagnosis of atypical AN and the determination of TW. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether professional discipline impacted "significant weight loss" definitions.

METHOD

A variety of providers (N = 141; 96.4% female) completed an online survey pertaining to diagnostic and treatment practices with atypical AN. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize provider-based practices and Fisher's exact tests were used to test for differences in diagnostic practices by professional discipline. Thematic analysis was used to examine open-ended questions.

RESULTS

Most (63.97%) providers diagnosed atypical AN in the absence of any weight loss if other AN criteria were met, but doctoral-level psychologists and medical professionals were less likely to do so compared to nutritional or other mental health professionals. Most providers found weight gain was only sometimes necessary for atypical AN recovery. Qualitative responses revealed providers found atypical AN to be a stigmatizing label that was not taken seriously. Providers preferred to use an individualized approach focused on behaviors, rather than weight when diagnosing and treating atypical AN.

DISCUSSION

Lack of diagnostic clarity and concrete treatment guidelines for atypical AN may result in substantial deviations from the DSM-5-TR criteria in real-world practice. Clinically useful diagnostic definitions for restrictive eating disorders and evidence-based treatment guidelines for TW and/or other relevant recovery metrics are needed.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

The current study found variability in how community providers diagnose and determine target recovery weight for atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). Many providers viewed the diagnosis of atypical AN as stigmatizing and preferred to focus on behaviors, rather than weight. This study underscores the importance of creating a clinically useful diagnostic definition and guidelines for recovery for atypical AN backed by empirical evidence that providers may implement in practice.

Clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and process evaluation of group schema therapy for eating disorders: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders (EDs), such as (atypical) Anorexia (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN), are difficult to treat, causing socioeconomic impediments. Although enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) is widely considered clinically effective, it may not be the most beneficial treatment for (atypical) AN and BN patients who do not show a rapid response after the first 4 weeks (8 sessions) of a CBT-E treatment. Alternatively, group schema therapy (GST) may be a valuable treatment for this ED population. Even though GST for EDs has yielded promising preliminary findings, the current body of evidence requires expansion. On top of that, data on cost-effectiveness is lacking. In light of these gaps, we aim to describe a protocol to examine whether GST is more (1) clinically effective and (2) cost-effective than CBT-E for (atypical) AN and BN patients, who do not show a rapid response after the first 4 weeks of treatment. Additionally, we will conduct (3) process evaluations for both treatments.

METHODS

Using a multicenter RCT design, 232 Dutch (atypical) AN and BN patients with a CBT-E referral will be recruited from five treatment centers. Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness will be measured before treatment, directly after treatment, at 6 and at 12 months follow-up. In order to rate process evaluation, patient experiences and the degree to which treatments are implemented according to protocol will be measured. In order to assess the quality of life and the achievement of personalized goals, interviews will be conducted at the end of treatment. Data will be analyzed, using a regression-based approach to mixed modelling, multivariate sensitivity analyses and coding trees for qualitative data. We hypothesize GST to be superior to CBT-E in terms of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for patients who do not show a rapid response to the first 4 weeks of a CBT-E treatment.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study protocol describing a multicenter RCT to explore the three aforementioned objectives. Related risks in performing the study protocol have been outlined. The expected findings may serve as a guide for healthcare stakeholders to optimize ED care trajectories.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05812950).

The Role of Weight Suppression in Intensive Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: A Longitudinal Study

The study aimed to establish the role of weight suppression in a cohort of adolescents with anorexia nervosa treated with intensive enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E). One hundred and twenty-eight adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa (128 females and 2 males), aged between 14 and 19 years, were recruited from consecutive referrals to a community-based eating disorder clinic offering intensive CBT-E. Weight, height, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, and Brief Symptom Inventory scores were recorded at admission, end-of-treatment, and at a 20-week follow-up. In addition, the developmental weight suppression (DWS, difference between one's highest premorbid and current z-BMI, i.e., BMI z-scores) was calculated. The mean baseline z-BMI was -4.01 (SD = 2.27), and the mean DWS was 4.2 (SD = 2.3). One hundred and seven patients (83.4%) completed the treatment and showed both considerable weight gain and reduced scores for eating-disorder and general psychopathology. Among completers, 72.9% completed the 20-week follow-up and maintained the improvement reached at the end-of-treatment. DWS was negatively correlated with end-of-treatment and follow-up z-BMI. This indicates that weight suppression is a predictor of the BMI outcome of intensive CBT-E and confirms that this treatment is promising for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Efficacy and tolerability of a specific blend of amino acids in patients with anorexia nervosa treated in a hospital setting: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Specific blends of essential amino acids (EAA) containing a high percentage of branched-chain amino acids preserves mitochondrial metabolism and higher physical resistance in elderly mice, increasing their survival and improving physical performance and cognitive functions in malnourished elderly patients. However, no study has been yet done on patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who regain weight with specialized intensive treatment. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation with EAA on the change in lean body mass (LBM) and other physical and psychological outcomes in patients with AN who are undergoing specialist treatment for eating disorders.

METHODS

This is a 13-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients will be randomized to either a mixture of a complex blend of EAA and intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (citrate, malate, succinate) supplementation (or placebo) upon admission at the intensive residential and day-hospital treatment for eating disorders. Ninety-two participants with AN aged 16-50 years will be recruited from a specialized intensive treatment of eating disorders. Double-blind assessment will be conducted at baseline (T0) and the end of the 13 weeks of treatment (T1). The study's primary aim is to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation with EAA and TCA intermediates on the change in lean body mass (LBM) with weight restoration in patients with AN who are undergoing specialist treatment for eating disorders. The secondary aims of the study are to assess the effect of dietary supplementation on physical fitness, weight restoration, modification of AN and general psychopathology, and psychosocial impairment.

DISCUSSION

The study's results will inform researchers and clinicians on whether supplementing a mixture of EAA and TCA cycle intermediates will improve the increase of LBM and other important physical and psychological outcomes in patients with AN who regain weight with specialized intensive treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT, NCT05290285. Registered on 22 March 2022.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a psychological intervention in the treatment of ARFID for children and young people

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a condition characterised by a disturbance in eating behaviour that leads to a significant negative impact on physical, social and nutritional health. The diagnosis of ARFID relies on a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assessment to understand the individual’s history, physical, social and mental health risk, and any co-occurring mental health difficulties. Consensus guidance suggests that psychological treatment, alongside medical and dietetic input is delivered with consideration of any appropriate adaptions to accommodate developmental stage and/or common co-occurring presentations. This paper has been authored by clinicians working in an out-patient setting for children and adolescents with ARFID, and focuses on the presentation and assessment of ARFID and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches that can help children, young people and their families. After an introductory section, the paper is split into four sections: assessment of ARFID; drivers of avoidant restrictive eating behaviour; multi-disciplinary formulation and intervention planning; and treatment. The treatment section provides an overview of the available research on CBT for ARFID, and a brief summary of the broader evidence base for CBT in children and young people with anxiety. Following a review of the evidence base, three case descriptions are provided to illustrate the clinical application of CBT where fear-based avoidance is the main driver. The paper concludes with practice points for clinicians to take forward when working with children and young people with ARFID.

Key learning aims

(1)

Changes in specific and nonspecific psychopathology network structure after intensive cognitive behavior therapy in patients with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare eating disorder-specific and nonspecific clinical features in patients with anorexia nervosa before and after intensive enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E) via network analysis.

METHODS

All consecutive patients admitted to intensive CBT-E were eligible, and the sample comprised patients aged ≥16 years who completed a 20-week intensive CBT-E program. Body mass index (BMI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Brief Symptoms Inventory responses were gathered at baseline and end of treatment, and used to generate statistical networks of the connections between symptoms (nodes) and the strength and centrality thereof.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients were included. Most nodes had relatively similar centrality compared to other nodes in the networks. "Eating concern" and "phobic anxiety" showed the greatest bridge centrality at both time points. No differences were found between baseline and the end of treatment in either global network or individual connection strengths.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that some clinical expressions not specific to eating-disorder psychopathology remain strongly connected in the generalized network of patients with anorexia nervosa after CBT-E. Future research should examine whether additional procedures specifically designed to target these symptoms should be integrated into this and other treatments.

Changes in obsessive-compulsive symptoms during inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in anorexia nervosa (AN). As AN is a severe, life-threatening condition, reducing obsessive-compulsive symptomatology is not the primary objective during treatment of AN and, thus, these symptoms may remain unchanged or may even increase in terms of a "symptom shift".

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we examined clinical records of 149 adolescents (n = 96, 64%) and adults (n = 53, 36%) with AN (6 males, 4%) who received inpatient treatment and completed the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised at admission and discharge.

RESULTS

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms decreased from admission to discharge, irrespective of whether patients had comorbid OCD or not. Within-person decreases in obsessive-compulsive symptoms weakly correlated with increases in body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that obsessive-compulsive symptoms decrease during inpatient treatment of AN although they are not primarily targeted during treatment. Furthermore, these improvements seem to be associated with general improvements in AN symptomatology, suggesting the absence of a "symptom shift". Yet, effect sizes were small and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were still clinically elevated in patients with comorbid OCD at discharge, suggesting that these patients need OCD-specific, psychotherapeutic aftercare.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intensive cognitive behavioral therapy outcomes in patients with anorexia nervosa-A cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the efficacy of an intensive treatment based on enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) in patients with anorexia nervosa.

METHODS

This cohort study analyzed 57 patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during intensive CBT-E, comparing their outcomes (body mass index [BMI], eating-disorder and general psychopathology, and clinical impairment) with those of patients with anorexia nervosa matched by gender, age, and BMI given the same treatment before the COVID-19 outbreak as controls. Patients were assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment and after 20 weeks of follow-up.

RESULTS

More than 75% of patients during the pandemic versus 85% of controls completed the treatment, a difference that was not significant. BMI, eating disorder and general psychopathology and clinical impairment scores improved significantly from baseline to 20-week follow-up in both groups. However, the improvement was more marked in controls than in those treated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Patients with anorexia nervosa given intensive CBT-E during the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly improved psychopathology, albeit to a lesser extent than patients given the same treatment before the COVID-19 pandemic.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In this study, the outcome of 57 patients with anorexia treated with intensive enhanced cognitive behavior therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic was compared with a matched group treated before the pandemic hit. The rate of remission from anorexia nervosa was similar between the two groups. However, patients exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic showed lesser improvement than those not exposed.

Anorexia nervosa: Outpatient treatment and medical management

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disabling, costly and potentially deadly illness. Treatment failure and relapse are common after completing treatment, and a substantial proportion of patients develop severe and enduring AN. The time from AN debut to the treatment initiation is normally unreasonably long. Over the past 20 years there has been empirical support for the efficacy of several treatments for AN. Moreover, outpatient treatment with family-based therapy or individual psychotherapy is associated with good outcomes for a substantial proportion of patients. Early intervention improves outcomes and should be a priority for all patients. Outpatient treatment is usually the best format for early intervention, and it has been demonstrated that even patients with severe or extreme AN can be treated as outpatients if they are medically stable. Inpatient care is more disruptive, more costly, and usually has a longer waiting list than does outpatient care. The decision as to whether to proceed with outpatient treatment or to transfer the patient for inpatient therapy may be difficult. The core aim of this opinion review is to provide the knowledge base needed for performing safe outpatient treatment of AN. The scientific essentials for outpatient treatment are described, including how to assess and manage the medical risks of AN and how to decide when transition to inpatient care is indicated. The following aspects are discussed: early intervention, outpatient treatment of AN, including outpatient psychotherapy for severe and extreme AN, how to determine when outpatient treatment is safe, and when transfer to inpatient healthcare is indicated. Emerging treatments, ethical issues and outstanding research questions are also addressed.

Risk, demand, capacity and outcomes in adult specialist eating disorder services in South-East of England before and since COVID-19

AIMS AND METHOD

This is a longitudinal cohort study describing the demand, capacity and outcomes of adult specialist eating disorder in-patient services covering a population of 3.5 million in a South-East England provider collaborative before and since the COVID-19 pandemic, between July 2018 and March 2021.

RESULTS

There were 351 referrals for admission; 97% were female, 95% had a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and 19% had a body mass index (BMI) <13. Referrals have increased by 21% since the start of pandemic, coinciding with reduced capacity. Waiting times have increased from 33 to 46 days. There were significant differences in outcomes between providers. A novel, integrated enhanced cognitive behaviour theapy treatment model showed a 25% reduction in length of stay and improved BMI on discharge (50% v. 16% BMI >19), compared with traditional eclectic in-patient treatment.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Integrated enhanced cognitive behaviour theapy reduced length of stay and improved outcomes, and can offer more effective use of healthcare resources.

Early within-person weight gain and variability during inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa: Age-dependent effects on treatment outcome

OBJECTIVE

Early weight gain during inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) is a dynamic process characterised by within-person variability that may be age-dependent. We examined whether age moderates the effect of within-person weight gain and variability on treatment outcome.

METHOD

Within-person level estimates of N = 2881 underweight adolescents and adults with AN for daily average weight gain (linear slope) and variability (root mean squared errors) were obtained using random-effects modelling. Between-person level regression analyses were calculated to assess effects on weight, eating disorder psychopathology and attaining normal body weight (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5-25 kg/m² ).

RESULTS

Higher weight gain during first 2 weeks of inpatient treatment predicted higher weight, lower drive for thinness and lower body dissatisfaction at discharge, but not lower bulimic symptoms. Moreover, it predicted a higher probability of discharge weight within normal range. Younger age was associated with stronger effects of early weight gain on weight, drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction at discharge. Weight variability was not associated with any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Age moderated effects of early weight gain on treatment outcomes, with larger effects for younger patients. Weight variability alone did not influence treatment across age and should be of lesser clinical concern during early inpatient treatment.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy-enhanced compared with treatment-as-usual for anorexia nervosa in an inpatient and outpatient routine setting: a consecutive cohort study

BACKGROUND

For anorexia nervosa, firm evidence of the superiority of specialized psychological treatments is limited and economic evaluations of such treatments in real world settings are scarce. This consecutive cohort study examined differential (cost-)effectiveness for adult inpatients and outpatients with anorexia nervosa, after implementing cognitive behavioral therapy-enhanced (CBT-E) throughout a routine setting.

METHODS

Differences in remission, weight regain and direct eating disorder treatment costs were examined between one cohort (N = 75) receiving treatment-as-usual (TAU) between 2012-2014, and the other (N = 88) CBT-E between 2015-2017. The economic evaluation was performed from a health care perspective with a one-year time horizon, using EDE global score < 2.77, the absence of eating disorder behaviors combined with a BMI ≥ 18.5, as effect measure. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated and cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were displayed to assess the probability that CBT-E is cost effective compared to TAU.

RESULTS

Using direct eating disorder treatment costs in the cost-effectiveness analysis, the cost-effectiveness plane of the base case scenario for all patients indicated a 84% likelihood of CBT-E generating better health gain at additional costs. The median ICER is €51,081, indicating a probable preference for CBT-E (> 50% probability of cost-effectiveness) assuming a WTP of €51,081 or more for each additional remission, On remission, no difference was found with 9.3% remission during TAU and 14.6% during CBT-E (p = .304). Weight regain was higher during CBT-E (EMD = 1.33 kg/m², SE = .29, 95% CI [0.76-1.9], p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this mixed inpatient and outpatient cohort study, findings indicate a probability of CBT-Ebeing more effective at higher costs. These findings may contribute to the knowledge of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of specialized psychological treatments. In this study, the effectiveness and treatment costs of a specialized psychological treatment for adult clients with anorexia nervosa were compared with a regular, non-specialist treatment. One group of inpatients and outpatients did receive non-specialist treatment, the next group of inpatients and outpatients received CBT-E, a specialized treatment, later on. CBT-E is recommended for clients with bulimia and with binge eating disorder, for clients with anorexia nervosa it is less clear which specialized psychological treatment should be recommended. Results indicate that at end-of-treatment, CBT-E was not superior on remission. When looking at weight regain, CBT-E seemed superior than the treatment offered earlier. Economic evaluation suggests that CBT-E generates better health gain, but at additional costs. This study contributes to the knowledge on the effectiveness and treatment costs of psychological treatments, as they are offered in routine practice, to adults with anorexia nervosa.

Day-hospital enhanced cognitive behavior therapy for adults with eating disorders: Immediate and follow-up effects

OBJECTIVE

To assess outcomes in adult patients with eating disorders administered enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) in a day-hospital setting.

METHOD

Forty-three consecutive patients with eating disorders (86% females; mean age 28.8 [SD = 11.8]) were admitted to a 13-week day-hospital CBT-E program. Twenty-five (58.1%) patients were underweight (i.e., body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m² ; BMI 15.4 [SD = 2.2]) and 18 not (mean BMI 23.1 [SD = 6.3]) at baseline. All patients responded poorly to prior outpatient treatment. Body mass index and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) scores were recorded at baseline, end of treatment, and 20-week follow-up.

RESULTS

In 37 patients (86.0%) who completed the treatment, there were substantial improvements in eating-disorder features, general psychopathology, clinical impairment, and body weight (only in underweight patients), which were well maintained at follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Day-hospital CBT-E is a promising treatment for adults with eating disorders.

Effects of interval-based inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa: An observational study

OBJECTIVE

After inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), many patients relapse and need to be readmitted. To obtain a sustained improvement, a pre-planned multistep inpatient procedure might help to improve the patient's skills in dealing with symptoms and transdiagnostic problems, thus decreasing symptoms of AN. However, no data have been reported for such interval treatment yet. Therefore, this study examined effects of interval treatment in inpatients with AN.

METHOD

Data of adult women with AN (N = 304) who received inpatient treatment and either received interval treatment (n = 179) or not (n = 125) were analyzed. Of these, 225 patients completed a follow up measurement after an average of 25 months. Treatment outcome variables were body mass index and subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 at admission, discharge, and follow up.

RESULTS

Across measurements, the interval treatment group had larger increases in body mass index and larger decreases in drive for thinness and binge/purge symptoms than the no interval treatment group. These differences did not seem to be driven by longer treatment duration.

DISCUSSION

Our data suggest that interval treatment for AN is effective and may even be superior to conventional single inpatient treatment. Given the observational nature of this study, however, controlled studies are necessary to corroborate these findings.

Change in eating-disorder psychopathology network structure in patients with anorexia nervosa treated with intensive cognitive behavior therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to compare the change in eating-disorder feature networks in patients with anorexia nervosa after treatment with intensive enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E).

METHODS

Patients seeking treatment for anorexia nervosa were consecutively recruited from January 2016 to September 2020. All patients aged ≥16 years who completed a 20-week intensive CBT-E program (13 weeks of inpatient followed by 7 weeks of day-hospital treatment) were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI) was measured, and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire completed for each patient, both at baseline and the end of treatment.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 214 patients with anorexia nervosa. Treated patients showed significant improvements in BMI and eating-disorder psychopathology. Network analysis revealed a significant reduction in the network global and connection strengths at the end of treatment. The most central and highly interconnected nodes in the network at baseline were related to the drive for thinness, but at the end of treatment to body image concerns. Some edge connections were significantly stronger at baseline than at the end of treatment, while others were significantly stronger at the end of treatment than at baseline.

DISCUSSION

CBT-E reduces the psychopathology network connectivity over time in patients with anorexia nervosa. The differences in central nodes and edge connections between baseline and end of treatment, not detected by classical inferential analysis, may be informative for understanding the centrality of symptoms in the psychopathology network, and how a specific treatment may act to reduce symptoms and change their connections over time.

Intensive Treatments in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

Approximately one-fifth to one-third of patients with adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN) need intensive care in the course of their illness. This article provides an update and discussion on different levels of intensive care (inpatient treatment (IP), day patient treatment (DP) and home treatment (HoT)) in different health care systems based on recently published literature. Important issues discussed in this article are new recommendations for the refeeding process and the definition of target weight as well as principles of medical stabilization and psychotherapeutic approaches. The pros and cons of longer or shorter hospitalization times are discussed, and the advantages of stepped care and day patient treatment are described. A new promising intensive treatment method involving the patient, their caregivers and the direct home environment is introduced. Parents and caregivers should be included in treatment research to foster collaborative work with the attending clinicians. There is an urgent need to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of various intensive treatment programs to compare their effectiveness and costs across different health care systems. This could help policy makers and other stakeholders, such as public and private insurances, to enhance the quality of eating disorder care.

Adolescent Eating Disorder Day Programme Treatment Models and Outcomes: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: Adolescent eating disorder day programmes (DP), or partial hospitalization programs, are becoming increasingly widespread worldwide. They typically function as an alternative to inpatient care and/or a step up or down in treatment intensity. There has been an increase in the number of publications within the last 5 years investigating DP outcomes. While there are now numerous programmes operating internationally, there is large variability in the content, structure and theoretical underpinnings of each programme. This makes it difficult to compare programme outcomes, and the impact the therapeutic model may have. Aims: To review existing literature on adolescent eating disorder DP treatment models and outcomes. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted. Four databases (PsychInfo, EMBASE, Medline, CENTRAL) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters investigating adolescent eating disorder DPs that function as alternatives to inpatient treatment. No restrictions on study methodology were imposed. Studies were first mapped by location, study characteristics and day programme treatment characteristics, then narratively synthesized. Results: Forty nine studies were included in this review. All used a quantitative methodology. One study also included qualitative methods. The majority of studies included describe DPs in the USA (69%). Seventy-six percent of the studies described DPs that operate 5-days per week and most (57%) either only admit or only report on outcomes for restrictive eating disorders. Two-thirds (69%) reported on DPs that had a family focused treatment model, the remainder had a more integrated treatment model informed mostly by individual psychotherapeutic models. Generally, DP treatment is associated with weight gain and improvements in eating disorder and comorbid psychopathology. The studies that include follow-up data (27%) reveal improvements are usually maintained from 3 months to 2 years post-treatment. Early weight gain, early psychological change and early therapeutic alliance are associated with improved end of treatment outcomes. Findings regarding other potential predictors of outcome are mixed. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests day programmes are an effective alternative to inpatient treatment that lead to sustained improvements. DPs tend to either be young-person-only with a family-focused treatment model or all age with a more integrative model. Controlled, empirical investigations into the impact of the therapeutic model on outcomes are needed, as are investigations into treatment mechanisms and the individual and parent experience of day programme treatment.