The motivation for our research is simple: eating disorders are complex.
Research studies at The Center for Eating Disorders.
The Center’s medically intensive approach is driven by our research, which is in turn motivated by our desire to learn as much as we can about the challenges of these complex disorders. For more information, you can view our Archived Research Studies.
International Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Study
The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is participating in a multi-site international research study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The main focus of this study is on family therapy and medication treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).
The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is looking for families with adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 with AN to participate. Successful early diagnosis and treatment of AN may help prevent the disorder from becoming chronic. Unfortunately, chronic forms of AN are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as high health care costs.
Despite the seriousness of AN, there is limited research on possible treatments, especially among adolescents. However there are two models of family therapy that have been proposed to be effective: Behavioral Family Therapy and Systems Family Therapy. Currently, it is unclear whether one is more effective than the other or whether they may be effective for different individuals. Also, fluoxetine (the generic equivalent for Prozac) may help reduce anxiety, depression and compulsive tendencies associated with individuals with AN.
Treatment overview:
Behavioral Family Therapy – Focuses on changing the eating behavior of the child. The therapist will join the family for a meal and then will work with the family for a united approach directed toward refeeding the child. The therapist will help the family return their child to physical health.
Systems Family Therapy – Focuses on exploring family problems that may underlie the development of AN. The treatment deals with the family as a system, and how members of the family organize themselves in their different roles and relationships. The therapist will help the family examine communication patterns and challenge existing assumptions, working toward changing behaviors and beliefs.
Medication Therapy – Compares the effectiveness of the medication fluoxetine with a placebo for the treatment of AN. To date, there have been no placebo-controlled trials of fluoxetine for adolescents with AN. Fluoxetine has been chosen for this study as it is a type of medication that may be beneficial for weight maintenance, as well as for resolving mood and anxiety related symptoms associated with AN.
What does the study involve?
- To test the effectiveness of these therapies, participating families will be allocated randomly to one of the family therapies, and to either the fluoxetine or placebo group
- Families will participate in 16, one-hour family therapy sessions, during a nine month period
- Families will participate in interviews and complete questionnaires
- The study medication – fluoxtine or placebo – will be given for an additional six months
- Families will be involved in the study for a total of 15 months
- Family therapies and medication-based treatment are free
The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt is collaborating with five other treatment sites to find a total of 240 families to be part of this study. Participants’ privacy will be maintained, and participants will be compensated for their time and contributions.
More information: Contact Courtney DiLallo at the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt at 410-427-3851 or cdilallo@sheppardpratt.org
