ABSTRACT
Objective
Temperament-Based Treatment with Supports (TBT-S) is an intensive treatment for patients with eating disorders (EDs) integrating neurobiological insights and family dimensions with the involvement of supports. Previous studies report high acceptability among both patients and their supports, and improvements in clinical outcomes and family functioning. The present study investigated acceptability and short-term outcomes of TBT-S intervention as adjunctive to ongoing, specialised treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) in late adolescent and young adult patients and their supports.
Method
Thirty-two patients (mean age = 21.44, SD = 4.72), 29 mothers, and 22 fathers participated in eight TBT-S interventions in Greece. ED symptomatology, patients’ and supports’ psychological distress, and supports’ emotional and behavioural responses were assessed immediately before and after participation in TBT-S intervention. Also, acceptability of TBT-S intervention was assessed.
Results
TBT-S intervention was found to be highly acceptable among patients and their supports. Patients reported significant reductions in ED restraint symptomatology and depression. Mothers displayed significant reductions in depression, stress, criticism, and accommodating and enabling behaviours. Conversely, fathers displayed significant increases in depression and anxiety.
Conclusions
TBT-S intervention demonstrated high acceptability among patients and supports, and was associated with several short-term outcomes as adjunctive to ongoing treatment for AN.