Clinical Observations of the Impact of Maudsley Therapy in Improving Eating Disorder Symptoms, Weight, and Depression in Adolescents Receiving Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

This article describes a comparison of adolescent patients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa receiving treatment with and without family-based therapy. Sixteen patients with anorexia nervosa were evaluated and compared pretreatment and post-treatment. The family-based program used is an adaptation of the Maudsley approach; a parallel treatment program used the standard multidisciplinary treatment at Rogers Memorial Hospital. The outcome measures in both programs were depression, eating disorder symptoms, weight, and body mass index. Individuals treated with the Maudsley approach made significant improvements in all outcomes measured. These preliminary findings support the notion that parental involvement in the treatment of anorexia nervosa is effective in significantly reducing overall eating disorder behaviors, decreasing symptoms of depression, and improving weight.

KEYWORDS:

• eating disorders
• family therapy
• Maudsley
• treatment outcomes

Notes

∗Shows significance between admission and discharge; p < .05.