title: A practical comparison of two types of family intervention: an exploratory RCT of family day workshops and individual family work as a supplement to inpatient care for adults with anorexia nervosa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about the outcome of involving families in the treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa. Carers of people with anorexia nervosa experience significant levels of distress. This may contribute to unhelpful behaviours which maintain the illness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of family workshops with educational and skills-based components as compared to individual family work.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory randomised controlled trial of two forms of family intervention was conducted for inpatients with anorexia nervosa (n = 48) and their family members on a specialised unit for adults.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both groups, there was an improvement in patients' BMI and a reduction in carers' distress. There were no differences between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary findings suggest that workshop-based intervention with two families might be as effective as an individually focused family intervention. This may offer a more cost-effective intervention for this treatment-resistant group.
authors: Vincent Square Eating Disorder Clinic, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Victoria, London, UK. jenna.whitney@nhs.net
authors: Jenna
authors: J
authors: Whitney
authors: Tara
authors: T
authors: Murphy
authors: Sabine
authors: S
authors: Landau
authors: Kay
authors: K
authors: Gavan
authors: Gill
authors: G
authors: Todd
authors: Wendy
authors: W
authors: Whitaker
authors: Janet
authors: J
authors: Treasure
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D004493:Education; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome