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Baudinet J, Eisler I, Roddy M, Turner J, Simic M, Schmidt U. Clinician perspectives on how change occurs in multi-family therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:103. [PMID: 39049063 PMCID: PMC11267764 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01064-2] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-family Therapy (MFT) is being increasingly used in specialist eating disorder services internationally. Despite evidence of its efficacy, little is understood about the treatment mechanisms and what specifically promotes change. This study aimed to understand clinician perspectives on how change occurs during MFT. METHODS Clinicians with (a) 5 or more years' experience facilitating MFT and (b) who had facilitated a minimum of two MFT groups were eligible for this study. Two individual interviews and four semi-structured focus groups were conducted online. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Twelve clinicians (five systemic/family psychotherapists, five clinical psychologists, and two consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists) from six different specialist services in the UK participated. Four main inter-connected themes describing how change is perceived to occur were generated; (1) Intensity and immediacy, (2) Flexibility, (3) New ideas and channels of learning and (4) Containment. CONCLUSIONS Current data matches closely with young person and parent experiences of MFT and intensive day treatment and how they perceive change to occur. Quantitative data are now needed to evaluate the impact of these factors on outcome. Plain English Summary Multi-family Therapy (MFT) is being increasingly used in specialist eating disorder services internationally. While there is evidence that it is helpful, little is understood about how the treatment works and what specifically promotes change. This study aimed to understand how clinician believe change to occur during MFT for young people and their family members. Clinicians with (a) five or more years' experience facilitating MFT and (b) who had facilitated a minimum of two MFT groups were eligible for this study. Two individual interviews and four semi-structured focus groups were conducted online. Recordings were written out word-for-word and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, a commonly used method for analysing this type of data. Twelve clinicians (five systemic/family psychotherapists, five clinical psychologists, and two consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists) from six different specialist services in the UK participated. Four related themes describing how change is perceived to occur were generated; (1) Intensity and immediacy, (2) Flexibility, (3) New ideas and channels of learning and (4) Containment. Current data matches closely with young person and parent experiences of MFT and intensive day treatment and how they perceive change to occur. These factors now need to be tested in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Baudinet
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AZ, UK.
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK.
| | - Ivan Eisler
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Michelle Roddy
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Jasmin Turner
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Mima Simic
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
- Adult Eating Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
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Baudinet J, Eisler I. Multi-family Therapy for Eating Disorders Across the Lifespan. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:323-329. [PMID: 38709444 PMCID: PMC11147926 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to report on recent evidence for multi-family therapy for eating disorders (MFT) across the lifespan. It is a narrative update of recent systematic, scoping and meta-analytic reviews. RECENT FINDINGS There has been a recent increase in published theoretical, quantitative and qualitative reports on MFT in the past few years. Recent and emerging data continues to confirm MFT can support eating disorder symptom improvement and weight gain, for those who may need to, for people across the lifespan. It has also been associated with improved comorbid psychiatric symptoms, self-esteem and quality of life. Data are also emerging regarding possible predictors, moderators and mediators of MFT outcomes, as well as qualitative data on perceived change processes. These data suggest families with fewer positive caregiving experiences at the start of treatment may particularly benefit from the MFT context. Additionally, early change in family functioning within MFT may lead to improved outcomes at end of treatment. MFT is a useful adjunctive treatment across the lifespan for people with eating disorders. It helps to promote change in eating disorder and related difficulties. It has also been shown to support and promote broader family and caregiver functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Baudinet
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK.
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Ivan Eisler
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
- Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Marchetti D, Sawrikar V. Parents' illness representations of their child with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review of qualitative studies using the common-sense model. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1049-1068. [PMID: 37916901 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research indicates that parents experience distress while caring for a child with anorexia nervosa. Applying the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM), a framework to describe responses to illness may help to understand the antecedents of parental distress, which could inform how to support parents in treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize outcomes from qualitative research in relation to parents' experiences of caring for a child with anorexia nervosa using the CSM. METHOD Systematic search of four electronic databases (psychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ProQuest Dissertation, and Theses Database) alongside a two-way screening process was used to identify eligible studies. Qualitative themes were synthesized using a "best fit" framework analysis and reported according to CSM dimensions of cognitive and emotional illness representations. RESULTS A total of 32 studies published between 1970 and 2023 were eligible for inclusion for review. Parents perceived their child's anorexia nervosa as a major health threat observable by illness representations that anorexia nervosa was uncontrollable, incomprehensible, chronic, and associated with negative consequences. The themes also suggested parents take responsibility for causing anorexia nervosa. These illness representations were linked with emotional representations of fear, anxiety, shame, guilt, loneliness, and depression. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide evidence of the utility of using the CSM to understand the antecedents of parents' distress and negative impacts of caring for a child with anorexia nervosa. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice are discussed emphasizing the need to understand parents' perceptions of their child's illness to putatively maximize treatment benefits for families. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This review emphasizes the salience of understanding parents distress while caring for a child with anorexia nervosa. The findings present opportunities to best support parents in treatment, with a focus on addressing their cognitive and emotional representations of their child's illness. A multicomponent treatment regimen may be required to support parents if they present with illness representations that negatively affect their well-being and ability to cope with distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Marchetti
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Clinical Psychology, NHS Grampian, UK
| | - Vilas Sawrikar
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Yim SH, White S. Service evaluation of multi-family therapy for anorexia groups between 2013-2021 in a specialist child and adolescent eating disorders service. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:63-75. [PMID: 37501085 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231193249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The aims of the service evaluation were to examine the effectiveness of multi-family therapy for anorexia nervosa (MFT-AN) on family relationships, as well as to understand families' experiences of MFT in a specialist child and adolescent eating disorders service between 2013-2021. Mixed-methods were used (t-tests and reflexive thematic analysis). Delivery was in-person in 2013-2019, and moved online from 2020 due to COVID-19. Responses from a total of 57 families and 190 people were analysed. MFT improved family functioning from pre-to post MFT as measured by the Systemic Clinical Observation in Routine Evaluation (SCORE-15). Sub-group analysis by family roles showed that at four-month follow-up, the effects were no longer significant among parents. On the contrary, preliminary analysis showed that although young people did not report any improvement at post-intervention, family functioning was reported to increase at follow-up. Four themes were constructed: being together as a family and as a group; individuality: everyone's recovery is different; MFT as an emotion 'hotpot', and in-person versus virtual groups: not a one-size-fits-all. More robust follow-up data are needed to ascertain the effects of online MFT-AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Heng Yim
- Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Sam White
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Baudinet J, Eisler I, Konstantellou A, Hunt T, Kassamali F, McLaughlin N, Simic M, Schmidt U. Perceived change mechanisms in multi-family therapy for anorexia nervosa: A qualitative follow-up study of adolescent and parent experiences. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023; 31:822-836. [PMID: 37415392 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multi-family therapy (MFT-AN) is a promising group-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to explore how young people and parents perceived change to occur during MFT treatment. METHODS Young people (10-18 years) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa and their parents who completed MFT-AN alongside family therapy for anorexia nervosa within the preceding 2 years were eligible for this study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty-three participants (8 young people, 10 mothers and 5 fathers) completed interviews. Five main themes were identified; (1) Powerful connection, (2) Intensity, (3) New learning and perspective shifts, (4) Comparisons, and (5) Discharge is not recovery. There was a strong sense that being with others in a similar position in an intense environment were key factors in promoting change. Comparisons were inevitable and could promote insight and foster motivation, but could also be unhelpful at times. Participants spoke about how recovery continues beyond service use and requires ongoing attention and support. CONCLUSIONS Through the mechanisms of connection, intensity, new learning and comparisons change is perceived to occur in MFT-AN. Some of these are considered unique to this treatment format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Baudinet
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ivan Eisler
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anna Konstantellou
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tammy Hunt
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Fatema Kassamali
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Natalie McLaughlin
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mima Simic
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Adult Eating Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Oketah NO, Hur JO, Talebloo J, Cheng CM, Nagata JM. Parents' perspectives of anorexia nervosa treatment in adolescents: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative data. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:193. [PMID: 37904246 PMCID: PMC10617236 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00910-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have established the central role of the family in the recognition, treatment, and recovery of anorexia nervosa. The objective of this study was to review, synthesize, and critically appraise the literature on parents' views on the treatment and recovery process of anorexia nervosa in their adolescent child. METHOD A systematic search of Medline, PsychINFO, CINHAL, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and SSCI was conducted for qualitative studies published regarding parents' views about the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The quality of articles was assessed using the critical appraisal skills program (CASP) and findings were analysed using thematic synthesis. RESULTS A total of 25 studies from nine countries reporting the views of 357 parents met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes were developed from the analysis: understanding the child and the disease, experience of services and treatment modalities, the role of professionals, and the experience of recovery. CONCLUSION Parents report struggles with delays in finding help, judgmental attitudes of professionals, and uncertainty about the future. Recognition of the challenges faced by parents and families empowers clinicians to build stronger therapeutic relationships essential for long-term recovery from anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngozi O Oketah
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin & Connolly Hospitals, Cooley Road, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland
| | - Jacqueline O Hur
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jonanne Talebloo
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Chloe M Cheng
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Moore AL, Miller TM, Moore JJ, Ledbetter C. A Real-World Data Study on the Impact of the ReadRx Cognitive Training and Reading Intervention on Cognition, Basic Reading Ability, and Psychosocial Skills for 3527 Children. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1195-1220. [PMID: 37095847 PMCID: PMC10121472 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s397665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The state of reading proficiency among children in the United States continues to be a subject of concern among psychologists, teachers, parents, policy makers, and the education community at large. Despite the widespread use of curricular methods that teach basic reading skills, there remains a large percentage of children that struggle to read. Therefore, novel approaches to reading remediation should be explored. Purpose The aims of this study were to examine 1) the effect of a multicomponent cognitive and reading intervention on cognitive and reading skills; 2) the role of ADHD, age, sex, IQ score, and individual cognitive skills on the effectiveness of the ReadRx intervention; and 3) parent-reported behavioral outcomes following the ReadRx intervention. Methods The current study analyzed a large real-world dataset to examine cognitive, reading, and behavioral outcomes for struggling readers (n = 3527) who had completed 24 weeks (120 hours) of intense cognitive training integrated with a structured literacy intervention using ReadRx in a one-on-one clinic setting. Results Analyses of pretest and post-test scores showed statistically significant changes on all cognitive and reading measures including attention, visual processing, processing speed, long-term memory, working memory, reasoning, phonological awareness, Work Attack, phonetic coding, spelling, comprehension, and overall IQ score with medium to very large effect sizes. The results included an average 4.1-year gain in reading skills including a 6-year gain in phonological awareness. No differences were found based on age, sex, or ADHD status, and minimal differences were found based on pre-intervention IQ score and cognitive test scores. The study also included a qualitative thematic analysis of parent-reported behavioral outcomes revealing themes of improved cognition, academic performance, and psychosocial skills including confidence and perseverance. Conclusion Our findings were consistent with previous controlled studies on this intervention and offer an encouraging alternative instructional approach to reading remediation that aligns with the Science of Reading and includes intensive remediation of underlying cognitive skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Lawson Moore
- Department of Psychology, Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
- Correspondence: Amy Lawson Moore, Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research, 5085 List Drive, Suite 200-A, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919, USA, Tel +1 719-219-0940, Email
| | - Terissa M Miller
- Department of Psychology, Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Moore
- Department of Psychology, Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Christina Ledbetter
- Department of Psychology, Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA, USA
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Kaa BS, Bünemann JMN, Clausen L. A benchmark study of a combined individual and group anorexia nervosa therapy program. Nord J Psychiatry 2022:1-8. [PMID: 36398931 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2143558] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a treatment-resistant illness. Up to half of the patients show limited or no significant treatment response. First, we aimed to describe a new stepped-care outpatient treatment combining group and individual therapy (CIGAN) with a strong focus on normalizing eating and weight and in vivo meal support for adults with moderate to severe AN. Second, we aimed to compare CIGAN with specialized treatments of Specialized Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) and the Maudsley model of AN (MANTRA). METHOD The study includes 137 adults with moderate to severe AN and the primary outcome (BMI) at six and twelve months was compared with the outcomes published for SSCM and MANTRA using the Chi-squared test and Student's t-test. The paired t-test and Cohen's d were used to compare the within-group follow-up data with the baseline data. RESULTS CIGAN patients changed significantly on all outcome measures at 6 and 12 months, with effect sizes on BMI of 1.37 and 1.51 and on the weight of 1.36 and 1.60, respectively. Except for the 12-month comparison with MANTRA, patients had a higher BMI and larger BMI increase at both 6 and 12 months than SSCM (BMI p = 0.002 and 0.023, BMI increase p < 0.001 and 0.003) and MANTRA (BMI p = 0.031 and 0.168, BMI increase p < 0.001 and 0.037). DISCUSSION CIGAN, including a stepped care approach, is a promising treatment, and further research on the effective elements is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Skytte Kaa
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Loa Clausen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Coopey E, Johnson G. Exploring the experience of young people receiving treatment for an eating disorder: family therapy for anorexia nervosa and multi-family therapy in an inpatient setting. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:101. [PMID: 35831883 PMCID: PMC9277598 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that family therapy for anorexia nervosa (FT-AN) and multi-family therapy (MFT) are effective treatments for adolescents experiencing anorexia nervosa (AN). However, less is known about young people's experiences of these two treatments, as there is limited qualitative research, and to date no qualitative research within an inpatient setting. It is argued that the lack of such insight limits the development of services for young people experiencing AN. METHOD Five young people were recruited to the study from a specialist inpatient unit who were receiving treatment on the AN pathway which included both FT-AN and MFT. Semi structured interviews were undertaken and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS Four superordinate themes and ten subthemes were developed from the data. The four superordinate themes were: 'Process of Understanding', 'Reviving Connection', 'Emerging from the Eating Disorder and 'Development of I'. CONCLUSIONS There appeared to be two overarching concepts: the role of the individual and the role of others, that helpfully framed the results. The superordinate themes: 'Emerging from the Eating Disorder' and 'Development of I' focused on the development of the individual. Conversely, the superordinate themes: 'The Process of Understanding' and 'Reviving Connection' were centred on the relationships existing within the family system. The results could help inform future service developments regarding inpatient provision and service design. The most widely used and recognised treatment for anorexia nervosa in young people is family therapy for anorexia nervosa (FT-AN). An alternative treatment is multi-family therapy (MFT). Both treatments are deemed to be effective and usually happen in the community. However, some hospitals provide these treatments while the young people are in-patients. There is no research exploring young people's experiences of these two treatments while in an in-patient unit. Young people who had received both FT-AN and MFT in an inpatient setting were asked to share their experiences of these two treatments. Their stories were analysed by a researcher. The analysis identified four themes: 'Process of Understanding', 'Reviving Connection', 'Emerging from the Eating Disorder and 'Development of I'. The results highlighted that the young people appeared to place more value on the role of others and perhaps others changing enabled them to change. The research highlighted the benefit in others' understanding and therefore how improving societal understanding more broadly would be helpful. The young people reflected that both they and their parents benefited from FT-AN and MFT in an in-patient setting and it is proposed that this could help inform future service developments regarding inpatient provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Coopey
- Centre for Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. .,Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK.
| | - George Johnson
- Centre for Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Escoffié A, Pretorius N, Baudinet J. Multi-family therapy for bulimia nervosa: a qualitative pilot study of adolescent and family members' experiences. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:91. [PMID: 35786421 PMCID: PMC9250718 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00606-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-family therapy (MFT-BN) is a new treatment for adolescent bulimia nervosa with emerging empirical support. It extends the bulimia nervosa focussed family therapy model, by offering treatment in a group setting. Up to nine families work together with a team of clinicians over the course of 20 weeks. No qualitative study to date has investigated the experience of MFT-BN. This study aimed to explore this from the adolescent and parent/caregiver perspective. METHODS Participants from two consecutive MFT-BN groups facilitated at the Maudsley Hospital in London, UK, were invited to participate in either a focus group or individual qualitative interview about the experience of MFT-BN. Of the 19 eligible participants (from 9 families), 15 (8 parents, 1 older sibling, 6 adolescents) consented and participated. Audio-recordings of interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were identified; (1) seeing and being seen, (2) holistic shift, (3) the unspoken. Participants reported overall shifts in cognitions, emotions, behaviours, and relationships both individually and within the family as a result of attending MFT-BN. Meeting other families with similar struggles and sharing experiences, skills and learning helped reduce isolation and promote change. There was also a sense from participants that some things did not, or could not, be spoken about in the group context and that more direct and challenging conversations might have been helpful at times. DISCUSSION The current study identifies some of the perceived benefits and challenges of MFT-BN. The three themes demonstrate the holistic nature of change that can occur across the treatment, as well as the power and limits of the group therapy setting and process. Further research is needed to explore the experience of MFT-BN and its outcomes across a more diverse range of participants and treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Escoffié
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Natalie Pretorius
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Julian Baudinet
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK. .,Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED), Maudsley Hospital, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK.
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Baudinet J, Eisler I, Dawson L, Simic M, Schmidt U. Multi-family therapy for eating disorders: A systematic scoping review of the quantitative and qualitative findings. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:2095-2120. [PMID: 34672007 PMCID: PMC9298280 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study reviewed the quantitative and qualitative evidence-base for multi-family therapy (MFT) for eating disorders regarding change in physical and psychological symptoms, broader individual and family factors, and the experience of treatment. METHOD A systematic scoping review was conducted. Four databases (PsycInfo, Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and five grey literature databases were searched on 24th June 2021 for relevant peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and dissertations. No beginning time-point was specified. Only papers that presented quantitative or qualitative data were included. No restrictions on age or diagnosis were imposed. Studies were first mapped by study design, participant age, and treatment setting, then narratively synthesized. RESULTS Outcomes for 714 people who received MFT across 27 studies (one mixed-method, 17 quantitative and nine qualitative) were synthesized. MFT is associated with improvements in eating disorder symptomatology and weight gain for those who are underweight. It is also associated with improvements in other individual and family factors including comorbidities, self-esteem, quality of life, and some aspects of the experience of caregiving, although these findings are more mixed. MFT is generally experienced as both helpful and challenging due to the content addressed and intensive group process. DISCUSSION MFT is associated with significant improvements in eating disorder symptoms across the lifespan and improvement in broader individual and family factors. The evidence base is small and studies are generally underpowered. Larger, higher-quality studies are needed, as is research investigating the unique contribution of MFT on outcomes, given it is typically an adjunctive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Baudinet
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)King's College LondonLondonUK,Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED)South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Ivan Eisler
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)King's College LondonLondonUK,Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders (MCCAED)South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Lisa Dawson
- Eating Disorder ServiceWestmead Children's Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital NetworkSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mima Simic
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN)King's College LondonLondonUK,Adult Eating Disorders ServiceSouth London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, De Crespigny ParkDenmark Hill, LondonUK
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