Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility (recruitment and retention) of an online 12-session guided self-help family-based treatment (GSH-FBT) for families on the waitlist for face-to-face FBT utilizing trainee psychologists to assist carers of children with anorexia nervosa (AN) or atypical AN.METHOD: The primary outcomes were feasibility of GSH-FBT for families on the waitlist and secondary exploratory outcomes examined improvement of child and parental function.RESULTS: Of 187 eligible families on the waitlist, 24 (13%) expressed interest in the study; 16 (67%) of these families completed baseline, 13 (54%) completed GSH-FBT over a 6-month recruitment period. Children (mean age=13.92, SD=.86; mean body mass index [BMI] centile=29.47, SD=24.80) had an average weight gain of 6kg (BMI centile effect size=2.61, 95% CI: 1.77-3.44) and a decrease in eating disorder behaviors (effect size=1.11, 95% CI: .27-1.95). Improvements also occurred for general mood and behaviors in the child, and the impact of eating disorder symptoms on their functioning. Parents reported improvements in knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing AN.DISCUSSION: Use of this low-cost intervention while families are on the waitlist for FBT is engaging and useful but strategies to improve initial recruitment are needed.PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Although most eligible families did not enroll in an online 12-session guided self-help family-based treatment for families on the waitlist for face-to-face FBT for anorexia nervosa, families who participated found it engaging. The children experienced improvements in BMI centile, eating and behavior. Parents reported increased confidence, knowledge, and skills. We need to examine how families can be encouraged to participate on online training when on waitlists for treatment.

View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.23720

View details for PubMedID 35470910