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A Case Series of Family-Based Therapy for Weight Restoration in Young Adults with Anorexia Nervosa

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Abstract

This case series aims to examine the preliminary efficacy, acceptability and feasibility of Family-Based Treatment to promote weight restoration in young adults with anorexia nervosa. Four young adults with sub/threshold anorexia nervosa were provided 11–20 sessions of Family-Based Treatment for young adults with pre-, post- and follow-up assessments. At post- and follow-up, 3/4 participants were in the normal weight range, 3/4 were in the non-clinical range on the Eating Disorders Examination and reported being not/mildly depressed. At post-treatment, 2/4 were in the good psychosocial functioning range and by follow-up, 3/4 were in this range. These results suggest that Family-Based Treatment for young adults with anorexia nervosa is a promising treatment.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the clients and their families who participated. Dr Chen acknowledges the support of NARSAD, the Mental Health Foundation, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (#K23MH081030). Dr Le Grange was supported by NIMH (R01MH070620) (R01MH079979).

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Correspondence to Eunice Y. Chen.

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Chen, E.Y., le Grange, D., Doyle, A.C. et al. A Case Series of Family-Based Therapy for Weight Restoration in Young Adults with Anorexia Nervosa. J Contemp Psychother 40, 219–224 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-010-9146-0

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