ABSTRACT
Aim
To broaden treatment options for emerging adults with anorexia nervosa we explored the applicability of an adapted Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN-EA) in a routinely collected outpatient case series.
Method
Thirty emerging adults (aged 18–25) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa were recruited and agreed to participate in FT-AN-EA. Participant demographics, treatment characteristics (treatment duration, number of sessions, treatment non-completion, need for inpatient care) and body mass index (BMI) at assessment and discharge were collected.
Results
The series comprised of 21 new referrals to the adult eating disorder service and 9 age-related transitions from child and adolescent services (CAEDS). Two patients were classified as early non-completers (attending four sessions or less of FT-AN-EA). In the treatment-completers group (n = 28), mean duration of treatment was 10 months (22 sessions). 20 completers (71.4%) restored weight to BMI > 18.5 kg/m2 at discharge. 24 completers (85.7%) were discharged to no further care (general practitioner [GP] only), two (7.1%) were referred onto other interventions and two (7.1%) were admitted to inpatient care.
Conclusion
This case series provides preliminary evidence for the applicability of adapted FT-AN for emerging adults with anorexia nervosa. Further studies, under more controlled conditions, are needed to establish its efficacy and identify optimal treatment adaptations for this population.