Anderson KE, et al. – The current study is interested in exploring 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. The evidence overall strongly suggests that it is feasible to deliver FBT via Telehealth and that satisfactory clinical outcomes are achievable.

Methods

• 10 adolescents, mean age of 16.08 years (SD = 1.99), meeting DSM-5 criteria for AN or atypical AN, were selected in the examination and offered FBT via a Telehealth platform.
• Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by rates of recruitment and retention.
• Treatment result was determined using percent median body mass index (%mBMI), the eating disorder examination (EDE), and measures for depression and self-esteem.

Results

• The results of this study showed that recruitment target was achieved within allotted time, and all members were retained for the course of treatment.
• It was observed in the findings that percent mBMI improved significantly from baseline to the end-of-treatment (p = .013) and from baseline to the 6-month follow-up (p = .032).
• However, similar outcomes were achieved for the EDE Global Score (p = .002 and .001, respectively).