Utilizing Telehealth to deliver family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa

作者：Anderson Kristen E; Byrne Catherine E; Cro**y Ross D; Le Grange Daniel^*

来源：International Journal of Eating Disorders, 2017, 50(10): 1235-1238.

DOI：10.1002/eat.22759

• adolescent anorexia nervosa
• family-based treatment
• Telehealth

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and preliminary effect size on the main outcome measure (weight gain) of family-based treatment (FBT) for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their families delivered via a Telehealth platform (i.e., an HIPAA compliant videoconferencing format).
Method: Ten adolescents, mean age of 16.08 years (SD=1.99), meeting DSM-5 criteria for AN or atypical AN, were enrolled in the study and offered FBT via a Telehealth platform. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated by rates of recruitment and retention. Treatment outcome was determined utilizing percent median body mass index (%mBMI), the eating disorder examination (EDE), and measures for depression and self-esteem.
Results: Recruitment target was achieved within allotted time, and all participants were retained for the course of treatment. Percent mBMI improved significantly from baseline to the end-oftreatment (p =.013) and from baseline to the 6-month follow-up (p =.032). Similar results were achieved for the EDE Global Score (p =.002 and .001, respectively).
Discussion: These findings provide preliminary evidence that it is feasible to deliver FBT via Telehealth and that satisfactory clinical outcomes are achievable.