An evaluation of family-based treatment for restrictive-type eating disorders, delivered as standard care in a public mental health service

Background Family-based treatment (FBT) has demonstrated efficacy for anorexia nervosa (AN) in youth in randomized, controlled trials. It is important to assess if it shows a similar effectiveness when implemented in standard care. Aim To evaluate outcomes of FBT for restrictive-type eating disorders, delivered as standard care in a public mental health service. Outcomes are remission, frequency of hospital admissions and day-patient treatment, and frequency of other adaptations within 12 months from commencement of treatment. Second, to compare the collaborative clinical decisions of successful treatment in standard care made by family therapist at the end of treatment, with more objective definitions of recovery. Methods The design is a prospective, uncontrolled study of a consecutive series of patients with restrictive-type eating disorders, treated with FBT in a specialty unit at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centre in the Capital Region of Denmark. Results FBT was successfully completed within 12 months by 57% of participants, and 47% completed with 20 sessions or fewer. Weight restoration was achieved by 75% within 12 months, and 46% achieved both normalisation of body weight and behavioural symptoms of AN within 12 months. A total of 20% needed intensified treatment. All aspects of remission were often not present simultaneously, and the collaborative clinical decisions of successful treatment only partly aligned with other parameters of remission. Conclusion FBT showed good results when implemented as standard care, and it can be adapted to the specifics of local service organisation without compromising effectiveness.