Out-patient psychological therapies for adults with anorexia nervosa: randomised controlled trial

Very limited evidence is available on how to treat adults with anorexia nervosa and treatment outcomes are poor. Novel treatment approaches are urgently needed. To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a novel psychological therapy for anorexia nervosa (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults, MANTRA) compared with specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM) in a randomised controlled trial. Seventy-two adult out-patients with anorexia nervosa or eating disorder not otherwise specified were recruited from a specialist eating disorder service in the UK. Participants were randomly allocated to 20 once weekly sessions of MANTRA or SSCM and optional additional sessions depending on severity and clinical need (trial registration: ISRCTN62920529). The primary outcomes were body mass index, weight and global score on the Eating Disorders Examination at end of treatment (6 months) and follow-up (12 months). Secondary outcomes included: depression, anxiety and clinical impairment; neuropsychological outcomes; recovery rates; and additional service utilisation. At baseline, patients randomised to MANTRA were significantly less likely to be in a partner relationship than those receiving SSCM (3/34 v. 10/36; P