Development of an inpatient protocol for adolescents with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: a case study.

Introduction: Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by a pattern of eating that leads to failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs. Method: In the absence of evidence-based inpatient guidelines for adolescents with ARFID, we set out to develop and pilot an inpatient protocol for adolescents with ARFID. Identification of the key differences between managing inpatients with ARFID and anorexia nervosa (AN) led to modification of an existing AN protocol with the goals of better meeting patient needs, enhancing alignment with outpatient care, and improving outcomes. A case report of an adolescent with ARFID who had three hospital admissions is presented to highlight these changes. Interviews with this patient and her family were undertaken, together with key staff, to explore the challenges of the AN protocol for this patient and the perceived benefits and any limitations of the ARFID protocol for this patient and others. Results: The new ARFID protocol supports greater choice of meals, without the need for rest periods after meals and bathroom supervision. The similarities with the AN protocol reflect the need to promote timely weight gain through meal support, including a staged approach to nutritional supplementation. The protocol appears to have been well accepted by the patient and her family, as well as by staff, and continues to be used in cases of ARFID. Conclusion: Further evaluation would help identify how well this protocol meets the needs of different adolescents with ARFID.

Introduction: Le trouble évitant/restrictif de la prise alimentaire (TERPA) est un trouble alimentaire caractérisé par un modèle d'alimentation qui entraîne une incapacité à répondre aux besoins nutritionnels et/ou énergétiques appropriés. Méthode: En l'absence de lignes directrices fondées sur des données probantes en milieu hospitalier pour des adolescents souffrant de TERPA, nous avons entrepris de développer et de piloter un protocole en milieu hospitalier pour les adolescents souffrant de TERPA. L'identification des principales différences entre la prise en charge des patients hospitalisés souffrant de TERPA et d'anorexie mentale (AM) a mené à une modification d'un protocole d'AM existant dans le but de mieux répondre aux besoins des patients, d'accroître l'alignement avec les soins des patients ambulatoires, et d'améliorer les résultats. Un rapport de cas d'une adolescente souffrant de TERPA qui a eu trois hospitalisations est présenté pour souligner ces changements. Des entrevues avec cette patiente et sa famille ont été réalisées, de même qu'avec le personnel principal, afin d'explorer les difficultés du protocole d'AM pour cette patiente ainsi que les avantages perçus et toute limite du protocole TERPA pour cette patiente et d'autres. Résultats: Le nouveau protocole TERPA supporte un plus grand nombre de repas, sans le besoin de périodes de repos après les repas et une supervision de la salle de bain. Les similitudes avec le protocole AM reflètent le besoin de promouvoir une prise de poids rapide grâce à un soutien aux repas, y compris une approche par étapes de supplémentation nutritionnelle. Le protocole semble avoir été bien accepté par la patiente et sa famille, ainsi que par le personnel, et continue d'être utilisé dans les cas de TERPA. Conclusion: Une évaluation plus poussée aiderait à identifier dans quelle mesure ce protocole répond aux besoins de différents adolescents souffrant de TERPA.

Borderline personality disorder traits in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the correlation between eating disorder (ED) symptoms and borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits in a sample of adolescents with eating disorders. METHOD: There were 168 participants (Mage  = 16.0 years; SD = 1.16) with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN) or Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified-AN type. Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and the Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ) were used to assess ED symptoms and BPD traits. RESULTS: A total of 10 participants (6.6%) scored above the clinical cut-off for a likely diagnosis of BPD. A positive correlation was observed between BPQ total score and EDE global (rs  = 0.64, p < .001). There were also positive correlations between the BPQ self-image and emptiness subscales and all EDE subscales. Similarly, the EDE eating concern subscale was correlated with all BPQ subscales. DISCUSSION: Previous studies have demonstrated that some BPD traits (i.e., suicidality, impulsivity, anger) are co-morbid with ED but the link with other BPD traits has been poorly studied in adolescents and those with AN. These findings indicate that while the prevalence of BPD in adolescents with AN may be relatively low, ED symptom severity is closely related to severity of BPD traits, particularly identity disturbance and feelings of emptiness.

Family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa: Outcomes of a stepped-care model.

OBJECTIVE: Stepped-care models of treatment are underexplored in eating disorders. To enhance treatment outcomes, and informed by literature about adaptations to family-based treatment (FBT), we developed an FBT-based stepped-care model for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) that was consistent with family preference (i.e., tailored) and responsive to adolescent needs (i.e., intensity). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this model in terms of remission at end-of-treatment. METHOD: Adolescents (N = 82), aged 12-18 years (M = 15.1, SD = 1.8) and meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition criteria for AN, were assessed at baseline, Weeks 24 and 48. FBT was tailored to family preference and clinical need, with 16-18 sessions by Week 24. This was followed by three FBT booster sessions or an extension of FBT plus booster sessions (Week 48). The primary outcome was defined as weight > 95% of %median body mass index plus within 1 SD of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) global score community norms. RESULTS: Remission rates were 45.1% and 52.4% at Weeks 24 and 48, respectively. Commensurable improvements were evident across secondary outcomes (e.g., EDE subscale scores). As a reference point, remission rates compared positively with results from a recent randomized clinical trial from the same center and at the same time points (Week 24:45.1% vs. 32.1% and Week 48:52.4% vs. 30.2%). Controlling for propensity score, no statistically significant differences were observed. DISCUSSION: This stepped-care model, designed to be responsive to the individual needs of adolescents and their families, achieved encouraging rates of remission. This study provides an important signal that supports future clinical trials of stepped-care models for adolescents with AN.