Early intervention for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: Pilot evaluation of an outpatient group therapy prior to inpatient treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

An increasing demand for inpatient treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) during and after the Covid-19 pandemic contrasts with limited capacity and long waiting times. The current pilot study evaluated an outpatient group therapy (GT) as early intervention for adolescents with AN prior to inpatient treatment.

Methods

Seventeen female adolescents who participated at the GT (intervention group, INT) were compared to 16 adolescents without GT (treatment-as-usual, TAU). BMI, eating disorder psychopathology and motivation of change (MoC) were assessed at three timepoints.

Results

Comparing pre- versus post- group participation, we identified a significant increase of MoC and a trend towards a decreased AN-specific psychopathology. Comparing INT wit

SUBMITTER: Stonawski V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11617808 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature