The Effects of a Multiple Family Therapy on Adolescents with Eating Disorders: An Outcome Study

Abstract

Multiple Family Therapy (MFT) has gained increasing popularity in the treatment of eating disorders and many programs have been developed over the past decade. Still, there is little evidence in the literature on the effectiveness on MFT for treating eating disorders. The present study examines the effects of a particular model of Multiple Family Therapy on eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and percentage of Expected Body Weight (%EBW) in adolescents with eating disorders (ED). Eighty-two adolescents with ED, aged between 11 and 19 years, were assessed before and after treatment using the Eating Disorders Inventory 2 (EDI-2), the Outcome Questionnaire 45 (OQ-45) and %EBW. Results showed a significant increase in %EBW between the beginning and end of treatment, with a large effect size. 52.4% of patients achieved an EBW above 85%. Symptoms relative to all EDI dimensions (except for bulimia) significantly decreased during treatment. The three dimensions related to quality of life assessment also improved over the course of MFT. At the end of treatment, 70.7% of patients had a total OQ-45 score below clinical significance. This study suggests that Multiple Family Therapy may benefit adolescents with eating disorders, with improvement on several outcome measures (%EBW, ED symptoms, and quality of life). However, the lack of a comparison group entails caution when drawing conclusions.

An Exploratory Evaluation of the Family Meal Intervention for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

“…The change in terms of general psychological symptoms is surprising given the short duration of the treatment period. In total, these findings underscore prior research, which shows that family therapy interventions are efficacious for this age group (Accurso, Ciao, Fitzsimmons‐Craft, Lock, & Le Grange, ; Bhadoria, Webb, & Morgan, ; Eisler, ; Gelin, Fuso, Hendrick, Cook‐Darzens, & Simon, ; D Le Grange & Eisler, ; Lock et al., ; Lock & Fitzpatrick, ,b; Loeb & le Grange, ; Rutherford & Couturier, ; Smith & Cook‐Cottone, ).…”

Two models of multiple family therapy in the treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa: a systematic review

“…Finally, rates of admission and readmission, as well as duration of inpatient treatment tend to be reduced [59]. The CTTA MFBT Program described above has also been evaluated in a recent outcome study with 82 adolescents [62], showing a significant increase in percentage of ideal body weight at the end of treatment, a significant decrease in ED symptomatology and psychological distress, and a significant improvement of their quality of life. Finally, a recent adaptation of the Maudsley-MFT program for adolescent BN indicates reductions in ED symptoms and depression, and improved coping skills [63].…”

“…For instance, one may hypothesize that MFBT is indicated for recent-onset AN patients from fairly functional families while IS-MFT may be better suited for families experiencing enduring relational or individual dysfunctions and dealing with more chronic illness situations. Preliminary findings regarding the respective impact of MFBT and IS-MFT on ED symptoms [62,68] are encouraging but more research is needed comparing these two models, both in their single-and multiple family therapy formats, using various ED populations, different types of family functioning, different care settings, and different moments of families' trajectories toward recovery.…”

Anorexia nervosa: diagnosis, risk factors and evidence‐based treatments

“…86 MFT-AN is a highly acceptable intervention to families, with more than 90% completing the treatment, with significant improvement in weight and other patient symptoms, improvements in parents' mood and better family relationships. 87,88 Pharmacological treatment -efficacy of antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics NICE does not support medication as a primary or only treatment for AN. However, use of medication such as olanzapine might be necessary intermittently in highly anxious and agitated patients who otherwise would resist refeeding.…”