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Rienecke RD, Trotter X, Jenkins PE. A systematic review of eating disorders and family functioning. Clin Psychol Rev 2024; 112:102462. [PMID: 38941693 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of the current review was to address four questions: 1) Are there differences in family functioning or family environment among patients with different eating disorder (ED) diagnoses? 2) Are there differences in the perception of family functioning or family environment among different family members? 3) Is family functioning or family environment related to ED symptomatology? 4) Does family functioning or family environment change as a result of ED treatment? and 4a) If so, does this impact ED treatment outcome? Although most studies found no differences among ED diagnostic groups, those that did generally found worse family functioning among those with binge/purge symptoms than among those with the restricting subtype of anorexia nervosa. Differences in perceptions of family functioning among family members were found, with patients generally reporting worse functioning than their parents. Worse family functioning was generally found to be related to worse ED symptoms. The variety of treatment approaches and different assessments of outcome made it somewhat unclear whether family functioning consistently improves with ED treatment. More research is needed on family functioning and EDs, particularly in understudied groups such as males, and those with ED diagnoses other than anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee D Rienecke
- Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Xanthe Trotter
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6ES, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E Jenkins
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6ES, United Kingdom
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2
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Marazzi F, Orlandi M, De Giorgis V, Borgatti R, Mensi MM. The impact of family alexithymia on the severity of restrictive eating disorders in adolescent patients. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:139. [PMID: 38115116 PMCID: PMC10731864 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia is the inability to identify and describe one's own emotions. Adolescents who suffer from Restrictive Eating Disorders (REDs) show a higher prevalence of alexithymia than the general population. METHODS The study explored the correlation between levels of alexithymia in mothers, fathers, and adolescents affected by REDs and patients' ability to recognize their emotions. The study also aimed to evaluate if patients' emotional distress can significantly impact the severity of their disorder and functioning measured by the Clinical Global Impression Scale - Severity (CGI-S) and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). We enrolled 67 families of adolescents affected by REDs. Parents and patients' levels of alexithymia were assessed through the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Spearman's correlation shows a statistically significant correlation between mothers and patients' levels of alexithymia. RESULTS Our findings also suggest that fathers and mothers' TAS scores correlate with each other. However, there is no statistically significant relationship between the influence of the TAS scores of fathers and sons/daughters. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, mothers' level of alexithymia could influence both fathers and patients' difficulty in identifying and describing their own emotions. This relationship can be investigated further when considering externally oriented thinking. However, the severity of the disease and overall functioning do not appear to be affected by patients' levels of alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marazzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marika Orlandi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Valentina De Giorgis
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Liu J, Rockwell RE, Kaye WH, Wierenga CE, Brown TA. Family functioning and eating disorders treatment in a partial hospitalization program in adolescent females with eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:826-831. [PMID: 35352376 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research examining family functioning in eating disorder (ED) treatment has focused primarily on outpatient settings. However, few studies have examined this aspect in partial hospitalization programs. To address this gap, this study examined family functioning over the course of an ED partial hospitalization program (PHP) in adolescent females (M(SD) age = 15.66 (1.50)). METHOD Participants (n = 105) completed the Family Assessment Device and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire at treatment admission, 1-month post-admission, and discharge. RESULTS Results from repeated measures analysis of variance indicated adolescents perceived an improvement in family functioning regarding Communication, Affective Responsiveness, and Behavioral Control through 1-year follow-up (p values < .05). Neither family functioning at admission nor change in family functioning in the first month correlated with any outcomes (weight, ED symptoms, and remission). DISCUSSION Results support that family functioning does not contribute to ED severity, and that treatment can improve adolescent perception of family functioning. Given the importance of involving the family in ED treatment, identifying mediators of treatment outcomes is critical to improve treatment efficacy. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Adolescents in a partial hospital program (PHP) for eating disorders (EDs) perceived improvements in their family communication, behavior, and ability to process appropriate emotions from admission to 1-year post-treatment, although these aspects did not significantly predict treatment outcomes. The findings provide helpful information for future research on adolescents with EDs in higher levels of care and underscore the importance of exploring mechanisms of family-based treatment in PHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Liu
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Roxanne E Rockwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Walter H Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christina E Wierenga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tiffany A Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Giles EM, Cross AS, Matthews RV, Lacey JH. Disturbed families or families disturbed: a reconsideration. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:11-19. [PMID: 33721219 PMCID: PMC8860793 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and family disturbance has been a subject of debate since its first description. What began as a clear view of the pathologically disturbed family causing AN has become ever more complex over the decades. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to explore the literature to examine the changes and evolution of clinical opinion around family dysfunction and AN over the last 20 years. METHODS A narrative review of heterogeneous studies in peer-reviewed publications sourced from the major databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, to illuminate the topic of family distress and AN by highlighting the conflicting and complementary ways it has been studied. RESULTS This review has highlighted the complexity of the relationship between anorectic sufferers and their families. It has explored the literature about parental burden, emotions and cognitive mechanisms together with parental attitudes about weight and shape. It is clear that there is no consistent psycho-social pathology in families which has been shown to be causative. However, over the last twenty years, research has highlighted the distress and family dysfunction caused by having to look after an anoretic child with poor mentalisation skills, insecure attachment and emotion dysregulation. CONCLUSION The area has become clearer over the last 20 years; research suggests a bi-directional relationship between AN and family dysfunction, with difficult dynamics becoming entrenched within the family. This is best addressed, the consensus suggests, by specialist family therapy and carer skills interventions. Longitudinal research is needed to definitively answer the question with rigorous scientific certainty. EMB RATING Level V. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I: Evidence obtained from: at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies. Level II: Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization. Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies. Level IV: Evidence obtained from with multiple time series analysis such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence. Level V: Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J Hubert Lacey
- Schoen Clinic Newbridge, Birmingham, UK.
- St Georges, University of London, London, UK.
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Dennhag I, Henje E, Nilsson K. Parental caregiver burden and recovery of adolescent anorexia nervosa after multi-family therapy. Eat Disord 2021; 29:463-479. [PMID: 31617832 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2019.1678980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether parental caregiving burden changed during adjunct multi-family therapy of adolescent anorexia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) and whether caregiver burden at baseline and changes in caregiver burden during treatment were associated with treatment outcome.Twenty-four females, 13 to 16 years old, and their parents, participated in the study. Caregiver burden was measured with the Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale, by mothers (n = 23) and fathers (n = 22). Treatment outcome was measured by adolescent body mass index, level of global functioning and self-rated eating disorder symptoms by the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire 4.0.All patient outcomes improved and overall caregiver burden decreased significantly during treatment. When broken down in aspects of caregiver burden the decrease in parental perceived isolation, was found to be associated with improvement of BMI and Children's Global Assessment Scale. When analyzing fathers and mothers separately, we found that maternal feelings of guilt and paternal perceived burden of dysregulated behaviors at base-line were correlated to treatment outcome. Future studies are needed to clarify the role of caregiver burden as a potential mediator of treatment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Dennhag
- Department of Clinical Science, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Henje
- Department of Clinical Science, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karin Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Science, Child- and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Mang L, Garghan A, Grant J, Lacey H, Matthews R. An evaluation of efficacy and acceptability of a novel manualised JuniorLEAP group programme for compulsive exercise, for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa, within an inpatient setting. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:591-597. [PMID: 32232776 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00884-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Compulsive exercise is a symptom and a maintenance factor of eating disorders, which increases the risk of relapse. It has been considered a target for treatment, particularly for anorexia nervosa (AN). This audit aims to review the efficacy and acceptability of a new seven-week JuniorLEAP group therapy programme, for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. JuniorLEAP was adapted by the authors and based on the Loughborough Eating Disorder Activity Programme (LEAP) for adults. METHODS 32 children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa were allocated to the group in an in-patient setting using entry criteria. All children and adolescents completed seven weekly sessions of the JuniorLEAP programme, as well as pre- and post-treatment questionnaires, including the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET). The children and adolescents were also asked to provide qualitative responses about the acceptability of the group. A paired t test was conducted to review the efficacy of the JuniorLEAP programme. RESULTS Significant changes in eating disorder psychopathology was observed, as measured by the EDE-Q, with total mean scores reducing from 3.53 to 2.77 (p = 0.001). Compulsive exercise attitudes were also observed to reduce, as measured by the CET, with total mean scores reducing from 15.39 to 10.90 (p ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in all five subscales of the CET following completion of the group. Qualitative results also demonstrate the group to be acceptable to the patients. CONCLUSION This study finds that a new manualised JuniorLEAP group therapy, specifically adapted for adolescents and children with AN, when used as an adjuvant with other therapies in a residential setting, significantly reduces their compulsive exercise, as measured by CET. The patients reported that the treatment was acceptable. Further research testing the new treatment in a randomised controlled trial is now needed, particularly to disentangle the impact of other aspects of standard treatment in reducing compulsive exercise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hubert Lacey
- Newbridge House, Birmingham, UK. .,St. George's, University of London, London, UK.
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Mensi MM, Orlandi M, Rogantini C, Provenzi L, Chiappedi M, Criscuolo M, Castiglioni MC, Zanna V, Borgatti R. Assessing Family Functioning Before and After an Integrated Multidisciplinary Family Treatment for Adolescents With Restrictive Eating Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:653047. [PMID: 34149477 PMCID: PMC8211764 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.653047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study presents an investigation of family functioning in the families of adolescents with severe restrictive eating disorders (REDs) assessed before and 6 months after a multidisciplinary family treatment program that combined psychodynamic psychotherapy, parental role intervention, and triadic or family-centered interventions. Nutritional counseling and neuropsychiatric monitoring of the overall treatment and care process were also provided. Family functioning was assessed using the clinical version of the Lausanne Trilogue Play (LTPc), a semi-structured procedure for observing family dynamics, previously validated for this patient population. The LTPc is divided into four phases. In phase 1, the mother interacts with the patient while the father assumes the role of observer. In phase 2, the father plans an activity with the patient while the mother observes. In phase 3, all the family members interact. Finally, in phase 4, the parents talk while the adolescent observes. A significant change emerged in family functioning after the treatment, but only for the interactive phase 2, when the father is required to interact with the daughter while the mother silently observes. The results of this study suggest that a relatively brief multidisciplinary treatment program may significantly improve family functioning in the families of patients diagnosed with severe REDs. Although appropriate clinical trials are needed to further test the efficacy of this treatment, the results also reinforce the concept that treatment programs targeting the individual patient and both the parents should be a first-line approach in adolescents with severe REDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina M Mensi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marika Orlandi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Rogantini
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Criscuolo
- Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Castiglioni
- Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Zanna
- Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Hambleton A, Le Grange D, Miskovic-Wheatley J, Touyz S, Cunich M, Maguire S. Translating evidence-based treatment for digital health delivery: a protocol for family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa using telemedicine. J Eat Disord 2020; 8:50. [PMID: 33052259 PMCID: PMC7544521 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-020-00328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family-based treatment (FBT) is an efficacious outpatient intervention for young people diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). To date, treatment to protocol has relied on standard face-to-face delivery. Face-to-face therapy is subject to geographic, temporal and human factors, rendering it particularly susceptible to inequities and disruption. This has resulted in poorer service provision for rural and regional families, and recently a significant challenge to providing face-to-face services during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The present study examines whether FBT for AN can be successfully translated to a digital delivery platform to address these access issues. METHOD Forty young people aged 12 to 18 years who meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AN, and live in a rural or regional setting, will along with their family be recruited to the study. Trained therapists will provide 18 sessions of FBT over 9 months via telemedicine to the home of the young person and their family. The analysis will examine treatment effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION The study addresses the treatment needs of families not able to attend face-to-face clinical services for evidence-based treatment for eating disorders. This might be due to several barriers, including a lack of local services or long travel distances to services. There has been a recent and unprecedented demand for telemedicine to facilitate the continuity of care during COVID-19 despite geographical circumstances. If delivering treatment in this modality is clinically and economically effective and feasible, it will facilitate access to potentially lifesaving, evidence-based treatments for families formerly unable to access such care and provide evidence for the continuity of services when and where face-to-face treatment is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Hambleton
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, The Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - D. Le Grange
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California USA
| | - J. Miskovic-Wheatley
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, The Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - S. Touyz
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, The Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - M. Cunich
- The Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition & Eating Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Health (Central Clinical School), The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Health Economics Collaborative, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW Australia
| | - S. Maguire
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, The Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, St Leonards, Australia
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Dimitropoulos G, Landers AL, Freeman V, Novick J, Cullen O, Le Grange D. Family-based treatment for transition age youth: the role of expressed emotion and general family functioning. Eat Disord 2019; 27:419-435. [PMID: 30358513 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2018.1529472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate changes in family functioning and parental expressed emotion (EE) in parents and transition age youth (18 to 25 years old) with Anorexia Nervosa participating in Family-Based Treatment for Transition Age Youth (FBT-TAY). Further, we examined whether perceived family functioning and EE were associated with changes in eating disorder behaviour and weight in participants at end-of-treatment and three months post-treatment. Generalized estimating equations revealed that changes in family functioning significantly improved from baseline to end-of-treatment (p = .0001), and baseline to three months post-treatment (p = .0001) in parents; and from baseline to end-of-treatment (p = .011), and baseline to three months post-treatment (p = .0001) in transition age youth. The level of parental EE did not differ significantly from baseline to end-of-treatment (p = .379), or baseline to three months post-treatment (p = .185). A series of Ordinary Least Square regression models demonstrated that changes in perceived family functioning and EE were not significantly associated with changes in eating disorder behaviour and weight restoration of transition age youth at end-of-treatment and three months post-treatment. Overall, perceptions of family functioning improved during the course of FBT-TAY, but EE did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Dimitropoulos
- Toronto General Hospital Eating Disorder Program, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Ashley L Landers
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University , Falls Church , Virginia , USA
| | - Victoria Freeman
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network , Toronto Ontario , Canada
| | - Jason Novick
- Department of Sociology, Mount Royal University , Calgary Alberta , Canada
| | - Olivia Cullen
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary , Calgary Alberta , Canada
| | - Daniel Le Grange
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California , San Francisco CA , USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterised by a failure to maintain a normal body weight due to a paucity of nutrition, an intense fear of gaining weight or behaviour that prevents the individual from gaining weight, or both. The long-term prognosis is often poor, with severe developmental, medical and psychosocial complications, high rates of relapse and mortality. 'Family therapy approaches' indicate a range of approaches, derived from different theories, that involve the family in treatment. We have included therapies developed on the basis of dominant family systems theories, approaches that are based on or broadly similar to the family-based therapy derived from the Maudsley model, approaches that incorporate a focus on cognitive restructuring, as well as approaches that involve the family without articulation of a theoretical approach.This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of family therapy approaches compared with standard treatment and other treatments for AN. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR) and PsycINFO (OVID) (all years to April 2016). We ran additional searches directly on Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PsycINFO (to 2008 and 2016 to 2018). We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov, together with four theses databases (all years to 2018). We checked the reference lists of all included studies and relevant systematic reviews. We have included in the analyses only studies from searches conducted to April 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of family therapy approaches compared to any other intervention or other types of family therapy approaches were eligible for inclusion. We included participants of any age or gender with a primary clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four review authors selected the studies, assessed quality and extracted data. We used a random-effects meta-analysis. We used the risk ratio (with a 95% confidence interval) to summarise dichotomous outcomes and both the standardised mean difference and the mean difference to summarise continuous measures. MAIN RESULTS We included 25 trials in this version of the review (13 from the original 2010 review and 12 newly-included studies). Sixteen trials were of adolescents, eight trials of adults (seven of these in young adults aged up to 26 years) and one trial included three age groups: one adolescent, one young adult and one adult. Most investigated family-based therapy or variants. Reporting of trial conduct was generally inadequate, so that in a large number of studies we rated the risk of bias as unclear for many of the domains. Selective reporting bias was particularly problematic, with 68% of studies rated at high risk of bias in this area, followed by incomplete outcome data, with 44% of studies rated at high risk of bias in this area. For the main outcome measure of remission there was some low-quality evidence (from only two studies, 81 participants) suggesting that family therapy approaches might offer some advantage over treatment as usual on rates of remission, post intervention (risk ratio (RR) 3.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49 to 8.23; I2 = 0%). However, at follow-up, low-quality evidence from only one study suggested this effect was not maintained. There was very low-quality evidence from only one trial, which means it is difficult to determine whether family therapy approaches offer any advantage over educational interventions for remission (RR 9.00, 95% CI 0.53 to 153.79; 1 study, N = 30). Similarly, there was very low-quality evidence from only five trials for remission post-intervention, again meaning that it is difficult to determine whether there is any advantage of family therapy approaches over psychological interventions (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.67; participants = 252; studies = 5; I2 = 37%) and at long-term follow-up (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.28; participants = 200; studies = 4 with 1 of these contributing 3 pairwise comparisons for different age groups; I2 = 0%). There was no indication that the age group had any impact on the overall treatment effect; however, it should be noted that there were very few trials undertaken in adults, with the age range of adult studies included in this analysis from 20 to 27. There was some evidence of a small effect favouring family based therapy compared with other psychological interventions in terms of weight gain post-intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.63; participants = 210; studies = 4 with 1 of these contributing 3 pairwise comparisons for different age groups; I2 = 11%) . Overall, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether there were any differences between groups across all comparisons for most of the secondary outcomes (weight, eating disorder psychopathology, dropouts, relapse, or family functioning measures), either at post-intervention or at follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a limited amount of low-quality evidence to suggest that family therapy approaches may be effective compared to treatment as usual in the short term. This finding is based on two trials that included only a small number of participants, and both had issues about potential bias. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether there is an advantage of family therapy approaches in people of any age compared to educational interventions (one study, very low quality) or other psychological therapies (five studies, very low quality). Most studies contributing to this finding were undertaken in adolescents and youth. There are clear potential impacts on how family therapy approaches might be delivered to different age groups and further work is required to understand what the resulting effects on treatment efficacy might be. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether one type of family therapy approach is more effective than another. The field would benefit from further large, well-conducted trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Fisher
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne HealthAllied Health ‐ PsychologyParkvilleVictoriaAustralia3050
| | - Sonja Skocic
- HealthscopeThe Melbourne ClinicRichmondVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Sarah E Hetrick
- University of AucklandDepartment of Psychological MedicineAucklandNew Zealand
- University of MelbourneThe Centre of Youth Mental HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterised by a failure to maintain a normal body weight due to a paucity of nutrition, an intense fear of gaining weight or behaviour that prevents the individual from gaining weight, or both. The long-term prognosis is often poor, with severe developmental, medical and psychosocial complications, high rates of relapse and mortality. 'Family therapy approaches' indicate a range of approaches, derived from different theories, that involve the family in treatment. We have included therapies developed on the basis of dominant family systems theories, approaches that are based on or broadly similar to the family-based therapy derived from the Maudsley model, approaches that incorporate a focus on cognitive restructuring, as well as approaches that involve the family without articulation of a theoretical approach.This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of family therapy approaches compared with standard treatment and other treatments for AN. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR) and PsycINFO (OVID) (all years to April 2016). We ran additional searches directly on Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and PsycINFO (to 2008 and 2016 to 2018). We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov, together with four theses databases (all years to 2018). We checked the reference lists of all included studies and relevant systematic reviews. We have included in the analyses only studies from searches conducted to April 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of family therapy approaches compared to any other intervention or other types of family therapy approaches were eligible for inclusion. We included participants of any age or gender with a primary clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four review authors selected the studies, assessed quality and extracted data. We used a random-effects meta-analysis. We used the risk ratio (with a 95% confidence interval) to summarise dichotomous outcomes and both the standardised mean difference and the mean difference to summarise continuous measures. MAIN RESULTS We included 25 trials in this version of the review (13 from the original 2010 review and 12 newly-included studies). Sixteen trials were of adolescents, eight trials of adults (seven of these in young adults aged up to 26 years) and one trial included three age groups: one adolescent, one young adult and one adult. Most investigated family-based therapy or variants. Reporting of trial conduct was generally inadequate, so that in a large number of studies we rated the risk of bias as unclear for many of the domains. Selective reporting bias was particularly problematic, with 68% of studies rated at high risk of bias in this area, followed by incomplete outcome data, with 44% of studies rated at high risk of bias in this area. For the main outcome measure of remission there was some low-quality evidence (from only two studies, 81 participants) suggesting that family therapy approaches might offer some advantage over treatment as usual on rates of remission, post intervention (risk ratio (RR) 3.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49 to 8.23; I2 = 0%). However, at follow-up, low-quality evidence from only one study suggested this effect was not maintained. There was very low-quality evidence from only one trial, which means it is difficult to determine whether family therapy approaches offer any advantage over educational interventions for remission (RR 9.00, 95% CI 0.53 to 153.79; 1 study, N = 30). Similarly, there was very low-quality evidence from only five trials for remission post-intervention, again meaning that it is difficult to determine whether there is any advantage of family therapy approaches over psychological interventions (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.67; participants = 252; studies = 5; I2 = 37%) and at long-term follow-up (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.28; participants = 200; studies = 4 with 1 of these contributing 3 pairwise comparisons for different age groups; I2 = 0%). There was no indication that the age group had any impact on the overall treatment effect; however, it should be noted that there were very few trials undertaken in adults, with the age range of adult studies included in this analysis from 20 to 27. There was some evidence of a small effect favouring family based therapy compared with other psychological interventions in terms of weight gain post-intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.63; participants = 210; studies = 4 with 1 of these contributing 3 pairwise comparisons for different age groups; I2 = 11%) . Overall, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether there were any differences between groups across all comparisons for most of the secondary outcomes (weight, eating disorder psychopathology, dropouts, relapse, or family functioning measures), either at post-intervention or at follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a limited amount of low-quality evidence to suggest that family therapy approaches may be effective compared to treatment as usual in the short term. This finding is based on two trials that included only a small number of participants, and both had issues about potential bias. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether there is an advantage of family therapy approaches in people of any age compared to educational interventions (one study, very low quality) or psychological therapies (five studies, very low quality). Most studies contributing to this finding were undertaken in adolescents and youth. There are clear potential impacts on how family therapy approaches might be delivered to different age groups and further work is required to understand what the resulting effects on treatment efficacy might be. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether one type of family therapy approach is more effective than another. The field would benefit from further large, well-conducted trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Fisher
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne HealthAllied Health ‐ PsychologyParkvilleAustralia3050
| | - Sonja Skocic
- HealthscopeThe Melbourne ClinicRichmondAustralia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review delineates issues in the conceptualization and operationalization of eating disorder recovery, highlights recent findings about recovery (since 2016), and proposes future directions. RECENT FINDINGS A longstanding problem in the field is that there are almost as many different definitions of recovery in eating disorders as there are studies on the topic. Yet, there has been a general shift to accepting that psychological/cognitive symptoms are important to recovery in addition to physical and behavioral indices. Further, several operationalizations of recovery have been proposed over the past two decades, and some efforts to validate operationalizations exist. However, this work has had limited impact and uptake, such that the field is suffering from "broken record syndrome," where calls are made for universal definitions time and time again. It is critical that proposed operationalizations be compared empirically to help arrive at a consensus definition and that institutional/organizational support help facilitate this. Themes in recent recovery research include identifying predictors, examining biological/neuropsychological factors, and considering severe and enduring anorexia nervosa. From qualitative research, those who have experienced eating disorders highlight recovery as a journey, as well as factors such as hope, self-acceptance, and benefiting from support from others as integral to the process of recovery. The field urgently needs to implement a universal definition of recovery that is backed by evidence, that can parsimoniously be implemented in clinical practice, and that will lead to greater harmonization of scientific findings.
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Balottin L, Mannarini S, Mensi MM, Chiappedi M, Balottin U. Are family relations connected to the quality of the outcome in adolescent anorexia nervosa? An observational study with the Lausanne Trilogue Play. Clin Psychol Psychother 2018; 25:785-796. [PMID: 30051637 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The study aims to explore the connection between the family interactive patterns, investigated with a standardized observational tool based on a recorded play session, the Lausanne Trilogue Play, and the outcome of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa after a 6 months treatment, based on the Morgan-Russel Outcome Assessment Schedule. Seventy-two parents and adolescent daughters with anorexia nervosa, consecutively referred to an adolescent neuropsychiatric service, participated in the study and underwent an integrated model of treatment, based on constant neuropsychiatric and dietary monitoring, weekly individual psychotherapy for the daughter, and parental counselling and support. A better adolescents' functioning in family relationships, in particular in the triadic ones, at first assessment, was associated with a better outcome. Data on family interactions may help predict the most appropriate intervention for the patient and his family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Balottin
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Chiappedi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Umberto Balottin
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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