Evidence-based psychotherapy for treatment of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents: systematic review

• Published in: Revista de psiquiatria clínica 2018-03, Vol.45 (2), p.41-48
• Main Authors: Alckmin-Carvalho, Felipe, Vega, Juliana Bergamo, Cobelo, Alicia Weisz, Fabbri, Alessandra Donzelli, Pinzon, Vanessa Dentzien, Melo, Marcia Helena da Silva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL; PSYCHIATRY
• ISSN: 0101-6083; 1806-938X; 1806-938X
• DOI: 10.1590/0101-60830000000154

Background: Efficacy studies on the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) in childhood and adolescence are scarce and systematic reviews are almost non-existent. Objective: Systematic review of the literature regarding the modalities of psychological intervention based on evidence used in the treatment of AN in childhood and adolescence. Methods: The research was carried out in the databases: PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane, using the combined keywords: anorexia nervosa and evidence-based therapy. Articles published between 1990 and 2015 were assessed. Results: Of the 139 eligible articles, 14 were selected, of which 10 (71.4%) were conducted in the United States and England. The sample ranged from 9 to 167 participants. Randomized Clinical Trial represented the most frequent design (n = 9; 63.4%), with more than half of the interventions structured in 20 or more sessions (n = 9, 64.3%). Nine types of treatments were tested, with the most tested being Family-Based Treatment (FBT) (n = 7; 50%). Interventions involving the family seem to be more effective, however, the rates for complete remission are modest. Discussion: Although evidence of efficacy was verified in the treatments analyzed, the limited number of studies, the various methodological limitations and the methodological heterogeneity between studies make the findings inconclusive. Keywords: Anorexia nervosa, treatment, adolescence, systematic review, evidence-based psychotherapy.