A Non-Randomized Comparison of the Addition of New Maudsley Model Workshops for Parents of Adult Women Receiving Multidisciplinary Care for Anorexia Nervosa.

OBJECTIVE

The impact of the add-on of New Maudsley Model (NMM) training workshops for carers of individuals with eating disorders (EDs) on clinical outcomes in adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) undergoing enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E) remains unexplored. The outcomes of females with AN aged 18 and 35 years, treated with CBT-E, were compared between those whose parents agreed to attend NMM workshops and those whose parents declined participation.

METHOD: Psychopathology was assessed up to 1-year follow-up. Baseline differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), while longitudinal changes were evaluated with generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs).

RESULTS

At admission, individuals in the NMM group had higher levels of ED psychopathology, body uneasiness, and alexithymia. At 1-year follow-up, both groups improved significantly, and between-group comparisons revealed significant effect sizes in favor of the NMM group.

DISCUSSION: Parental participation in NMM workshops was associated with more favorable treatment outcomes in adults with AN undergoing CBT-E. These findings suggest the potential relevance of integrating family participation into adult AN treatment.