Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia
Palo Alto (17 mi)Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May be covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: N/A
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago
No Placebo Group
Approved in 3 jurisdictions
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The proposed project is an intensive multi family therapy (MFT) intervention involving patients with anorexia nervosa and their families. MFT interventions are informed from the principles of the family based treatment (FBT)/family therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FT-AN) models. This program will offer families in vivo/virtual support while connecting with other families to increase knowledge of eating disorders and develop skills related to successfully supporting their adolescent during difficult times, including meal support and affect regulation. Our objective is to explore the influence of the MFT intervention on the primary outcome measures in eating disorder treatment, including weight, expressed emotion and eating disorder symptomatology.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to consult with the trial coordinators for guidance.
Is Multi-Family Therapy a promising treatment for Anorexia?Yes, Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) is a promising treatment for Anorexia. It is considered effective in improving weight and reducing eating disorder symptoms in adolescents. MFT also shows positive results in family dynamics and has a low drop-out rate, making it a valuable option for treating Anorexia.12467
What safety data exists for Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia?Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) for anorexia nervosa has been studied in various forms, including for adults and adolescents. The research indicates that MFT is a feasible and promising treatment option. Studies have shown significant improvements in weight, BMI, and eating disorder symptoms, with low drop-out rates. MFT is considered at least as effective as single-family therapy, with additional benefits such as improved family dynamics and reduced depressive symptoms. However, specific safety data is not detailed in the studies, suggesting that while MFT is effective, more research may be needed to fully understand its safety profile.23567
What data supports the idea that Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia is an effective treatment?The available research shows that Multi-Family Therapy (MFT) for anorexia nervosa is effective in improving outcomes for adolescents and adults. Studies indicate that MFT leads to significant improvements in weight and eating disorder symptoms. For adolescents, MFT is reported to accelerate weight gain and help achieve weight recovery, with additional benefits like improved mood and family dynamics. The low drop-out rate suggests that participants find the treatment engaging. While MFT is at least as effective as single-family therapy, it offers unique benefits, such as group support and shared experiences among families.24567
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for patients with anorexia nervosa and their families. Participants should be adolescents struggling with this eating disorder who can benefit from family support during treatment. The program will also involve other families, providing a group environment for shared learning and skill development.Inclusion Criteria
I am between 11 and 18 years old.
Treatment Details
The study tests Multi-Family Therapy (MFT), which combines principles of family-based treatment models specifically designed for Anorexia Nervosa. It includes both in-person and virtual sessions aimed at improving weight, reducing negative family interactions, and decreasing symptoms related to the eating disorder.
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Multi-Family Therapy
Multi-Family Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Japan for the following indications:
🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as Multi-Family Therapy for:
- Anorexia Nervosa
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Multi-Family Therapy for:
- Anorexia Nervosa
🇯🇵 Approved in Japan as Multi-Family Therapy for:
- Anorexia Nervosa
Find a clinic near you
Research locations nearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IL
Loading ...
Who is running the clinical trial?
University of Illinois at ChicagoLead Sponsor
Blue Cross Blue ShieldCollaborator
References
The effect of multiple family therapy on weight gain in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: pilot data. [2021]Preliminary research suggests that multiple family therapy (MFT) may be an effective intervention for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). This study compared the extent of weight restoration for patients enrolled in one year of MFT compared to a matched control group receiving treatment as usual (TAU).
Pilot study comparing multi-family therapy to single family therapy for adults with anorexia nervosa in an intensive eating disorder program. [2022]Multi-family therapy (MFT) has yet to be evaluated in families of adults with anorexia nervosa (AN). The study aims were: (i) assess the feasibility of MFT for AN; and, (ii) assess whether MFT is associated with improved outcomes for families compared with single-family therapy (SFT). Adult patients with AN consecutively referred to an eating disorder treatment program were assigned (non-randomly) to receive eight sessions of SFT or MFT. Assessment occurred pre-therapy, immediately post-therapy, and at 3-month follow-up. A total of 37 female patients (13 SFT, 24 MFT) and 45 family members (16 SFT, 29 MFT) completed treatment. There were significant time effects for patients' BMI, eating disorder-related psychopathology and multiple family outcome measures. There were no differences between MFT and SFT on family outcome measures at end of treatment and 3 months post treatment. MFT is a feasible intervention that can be used in adult intensive treatment for those with AN.
Parental guided self-help family based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A feasibility study. [2018]Family-based treatment (FBT) is an evidence-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN), but many families cannot access it. This study evaluated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary treatment effects of a parental guided self-help (GSH) version of FBT for adolescent AN.
Patients and Parents' Experience of Multi-Family Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study. [2021]Family therapy is considered as the gold standard in treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Among the different types of family therapy, multi-family therapy (MFT) is increasingly used for treating AN, and shows promising results. In this article, our focus relied on the patients' and their parents' perceptions of the effectiveness and the underlying mechanisms of the MFT.
Perceived change mechanisms in multi-family therapy for anorexia nervosa: A qualitative follow-up study of adolescent and parent experiences. [2023]Multi-family therapy (MFT-AN) is a promising group-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to explore how young people and parents perceived change to occur during MFT treatment.
[Multi-family therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa]. [2023]Background Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder. Family based therapy is the most appropriate treatment. In recent decades, a particular form multi-family therapy (MFT) has been used. Aim To provide an overview of the scientific evidence regarding MFT in adolescents with AN. Method Literature search using PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Knowledge. Literature was searched about the treatment of AN in adolescents through multi-family therapy in day therapy setting. Seven studies were included: one RCT with a strong methodology, two smaller controlled studies and four case series. Results After completing MFT, clear significant improvement is reported in terms of weight or BMI and eating disorder symptoms. Two studies suggest MFT is more effective in accelerating weight gain and achieving weight recovery. Depressive features, individual and family factors also improve. The low drop-out rate is remarkable. Conclusion MFT as an additional treatment for adolescents with AN is promising. Based on the available evidence, a good and at least equivalent outcome in comparison with family therapy is expected. In addition, it offers several unique benefits.
Moderators of treatment effect in a randomised controlled trial of single- and multi-family therapy for anorexia nervosa in adolescents and emerging adults. [2023]Multi-family therapy for anorexia nervosa (MFT-AN) is a novel, group-based intervention that intensifies single-family therapy for anorexia nervosa (FT-AN), with the aim of improving outcomes. The current study explored treatment moderators in a randomised controlled trial (N = 167) of FT-AN and MFT-AN for young people (adolescents/emerging adults aged 13-20 years) with anorexia nervosa.