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A randomized controlled trial of an Internet-based cognitive-behavioural skills package for carers of people with anorexia nervosa

2011; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 41; Issue: 12 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s0033291711000766

1469-8978

Miriam Grover, Ulrike Naumann, L. Mohammad-Dar, Danielle Glennon, Susan Ringwood, Ivan Eisler, Christopher Williams, Janet Treasure, Ulrike Schmidt,

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

Background Anorexia nervosa (AN) poses a major burden on families. Carers (e.g. parents or partners) of people with AN are often highly distressed and may inadvertently respond in ways that can contribute to the maintenance of the disorder, e.g. through high levels of over-involvement and criticism [also known as expressed emotion (EE)]. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel web-based systemic cognitive-behavioural (CBT) intervention for carers of people with AN, designed to reduce carer distress and teach skills in how to offer effective support. Method Carers of people with AN ( n =64) were randomly allocated to either the web-intervention, overcoming anorexia online, with limited clinician supportive guidance (by email or phone), or to ad-hoc usual support from the UK patient and carer organization Beat. Carer outcomes were assessed at post-treatment (4 months) and follow-up (6 months). Results Compared with the control intervention, web-based treatment significantly reduced carers' anxiety and depression (primary outcome) at post-treatment, with a similar trend in carers' EE. Other secondary outcomes did not favour the online intervention. Gains were maintained at follow-up. Conclusions This is the first ever study to use an online CBT program to successfully reduce carer distress and improve carers' ability to support the person with AN.