Early Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents Using a Day Hospital Program Impact on Food Symptoms, Patient Outcomes, and Family Experience

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate early treatment for adolescents with recent anorexia nervosa using a day hospital approach. The study compares this early, intensive, multidisciplinary care to conventional outpatient treatment to see if it improves food-related symptoms, patient outcomes, and family experiences over short, medium, and long term. The trial focuses on young patients diagnosed within the last 12 months and includes their families in the care process. Participants who accept the day hospital program attend 10 to 12 sessions over 12 weeks, which include medical monitoring and multidisciplinary support from pediatricians, psychiatrists, dietitians, and recovered former patients. Sessions alternate between patient-only and family-involved activities. Those who decline or cannot attend the day hospital receive standard outpatient multidisciplinary care. The study also includes semi-structured interviews with patients and parents to assess experiences and satisfaction. Participants undergo evaluations at inclusion, after the 12-week program, and follow-up visits at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years. These visits include clinical assessments, interviews, and satisfaction questionnaires. Some follow-ups can be done by phone. Data is collected both prospectively and retrospectively for participants who started treatment before the study. The primary outcome measured is the occurrence of clinical events one year after inclusion, with additional long-term follow-up to five years.

Assessment of the Impact of Early Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in a Day Hospital on Food Symptomatology, the Outcome of Young Patients, and the Family Experience