Testing a New Intensive Treatment Program for Adolescents Aged 12 to 17 With Complex Eating Disorders Using the MINERVA Approach

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a new intensive treatment program called the ED-MINERVA Program for adolescents aged 12 to 17 with high-complexity eating disorders. This study aims to assess the programs effectiveness, efficiency, and patient experience compared to a retrospective control group matched by age, sex, diagnosis, and symptom severity. The study also looks at long-term effects on recovery, outpatient care intensity, readmissions, and family dynamics. The ED-MINERVA Program consists of four phases over approximately 16 to 20 weeks 1 inpatient treatment focusing on physical stabilization and motivation for change 2 family treatment apartments where patients and families live together to develop skills and prepare for home transition 3 home treatment to support psychological skill generalization and family empowerment and 4 recovery within the community with gradual intervention reduction and ongoing care at specialized centers. The program incorporates family-based treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and systemic family therapy. Participants will be assessed on body mass index, eating disorder symptoms, functionality, recovery rates, outpatient service use, readmissions, and patient experience during treatment and at 6 and 12 months after completion. Secondary measures include anxiety, depression, readiness to recover, quality of life, caregiver skills, and family functioning. The study includes careful monitoring and follow-up to evaluate both clinical outcomes and the experiences of patients and families.

Evaluation of a New Treatment Program for Adolescents With Eating Disorders: MINERVA Program