A meta-analysis of the relation between therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome in eating disorders.

The therapeutic alliance has demonstrated an association with favorable psychotherapeutic outcomes in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs). However, questions remain about the inter-relationships between early alliance, early symptom improvement, and treatment outcome. We conducted a meta-analysis on the relations among these constructs, and possible moderators of these relations, in psychosocial treatments for EDs.

Eating disorder symptoms and quality of life: where should clinicians place their focus in severe and enduring anorexia nervosa?

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between quality of life (QoL), weight, and eating disorder symptoms across treatment in individuals with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN).

Method: Participants were 63 adult females with SE-AN presenting to an outpatient, multisite randomized clinical trial. QoL was assessed using three well-validated QoL questionnaire measures, the EDQOL, SF-12, and WSAS.

Body checking and avoidance in low weight and weight restored individuals with anorexia nervosa and non-clinical females.

Body dissatisfaction (BD) is central to the development, maintenance and relapse of anorexia nervosa (AN). BD has been conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct incorporating behaviours, cognitions and affect, yet little is known about the impact of weight and disordered eating on these aspects. 56 'below DSM-IV weight criteria for AN' ( View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rules of engagement: qualitative experiences of therapeutic alliance when receiving in-patient treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Recent research has emphasised the importance of therapeutic alliance to treatment outcomes for anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to examine the experiences of service users in developing therapeutic alliance whilst in treatment for their eating disorders. This qualitative study, using purposive sampling, recruited a sample of service users receiving treatment at a national eating disorders service.

Premature termination of treatment for anorexia nervosa: differences between patient-initiated and staff-initiated discharge.

Objectives: To investigate treatment drop-out by comparing clinical indicators of patients whose discharge was initiated by staff with those who initiated discharge themselves.

Method: Ninety participants with anorexia completed questionnaires at admission and four weeks into hospitalized treatment. Weight data was collected over this same period.

Predicting premature termination of hospitalised treatment for anorexia nervosa: the roles of therapeutic alliance, motivation, and behaviour change.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate treatment drop-out, and the associated roles of motivation, alliance, and behaviour change exhibited over the first four weeks of hospitalised treatment for anorexia.

Methods: 90 participants meeting DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa completed questionnaires at admission, and four weeks into treatment. Weight data was collected over this same time period.

Why are we waiting? The relationship between low admission weight and end of treatment weight outcomes.

Inpatient eating disorder units are increasingly being asked to admit patients at lower BMI's, often delaying hospital treatment until medically unavoidable. This paper aims to explore the impact of this trend on treatment outcome. Eighty-two adults with anorexia nervosa admitted to a national inpatient eating disorder ward were assessed for BMI at admission, length of hospitalisation, discharge BMI and re-admission within 1-year post-treatment.

Exploring quality of life in the eating disorders.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of illness and severity of illness on quality of life within a sample of individuals in treatment for an eating disorder. In addition this study explored differences in specific areas of quality of life (Psychological, Physical/Cognitive, Work/School and Financial) according to specific eating disorder diagnoses.

Method: Participants (N = 156) were adults currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder.

What's in a name? Classifying 'the dropout' from treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Treatment drop-out rates for anorexia nervosa (AN) are notoriously high, and have remained so over the course of time, and across different treatment settings and modalities. The outcome for such patients is frequently poor. Despite the prevalence of this problem, there is little quality evidence as to why this is the case, and what the predictors of drop-out are.